📏 Guide to Japanese Woodblock Print Sizes
Why format matters when collecting ukiyo-e art
If you're exploring or collecting Japanese woodblock prints, it's essential to understand the traditional formats they were made in. The size of a print affects not only its appearance, but also its value, purpose, and historical context. This guide breaks down the most common ukiyo-e print sizes – what they mean, how they were used, and why they still matter today.
🌟 Ōban (大判) – “Large Print”
Size: Approx. 25 x 38 cm (10 x 15 inches)
Ōban was the most popular size, especially during the late Edo period. Iconic works by artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige were often produced in this format. It allowed for detailed, dramatic compositions.
✅ Ideal for: Landscapes, narrative scenes, single-sheet art
📜 Chūban (中判) – “Medium Print”
Size: Approx. 18 x 25 cm (7 x 10 inches)
Smaller than ōban but still rich in detail, chūban was commonly used for portraits and book illustrations. It strikes a balance between intimacy and portability.
📗 Aiban (合判) – “Combined Print”
Size: Approx. 23 x 35 cm (9 x 13 inches)
A hybrid format, slightly smaller than ōban. It was often used for figure prints and landscapes, but is less frequently encountered.
🧾 Hosoban (細判) – “Narrow Print”
Size: Approx. 15 x 33 cm (6 x 13 inches)
A tall, slim format ideal for kabuki actor portraits or elegant standing women. Its shape resembles a modern bookmark or banner.
📖 Yotsugiri (四切) – “Quarter-Cut Print”
Size: Approx. 13 x 19 cm (5 x 7.5 inches)
A small, affordable format used for greeting cards, souvenirs, or mass-produced prints. Despite their size, they often feature vivid colors and playful designs.
📚 Kakemono-e (掛物絵) – “Hanging Scroll Print”
Size: Approx. 25 x 75 cm (10 x 30 inches)
Made by joining two ōban sheets vertically, these rare vertical diptychs mimic the look of a hanging scroll. They were designed to display tall figures or monumental landscapes.
🖼️ Triptychs and Polyptychs
Artists sometimes combined multiple sheets – usually ōban – to create triptychs (3 panels), diptychs, or even polyptychs (4+ panels). These multi-part compositions were used to depict festivals, battles, or scenic panoramas.
🧐 Why Size Matters
The format of a print impacts:
- 📐 Visual composition – Large prints allow more detail and storytelling.
- 💎 Rarity & value – Some sizes are harder to find and more desirable to collectors.
- 🧭 Identification – Knowing the original size helps detect trimmed or altered prints.
🧰 Quick Size Reference Table
| Format | Japanese Name | Approx. Size | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ōban | 大判 | 25 × 38 cm | Landscapes, famous scenes |
| Chūban | 中判 | 18 × 25 cm | Portraits, books |
| Aiban | 合判 | 23 × 35 cm | Figures, rare formats |
| Hosoban | 細判 | 15 × 33 cm | Actor prints, standing portraits |
| Yotsugiri | 四切 | 13 × 19 cm | Mini prints, souvenirs |
| Kakemono-e | 掛物絵 | 25 × 75 cm | Scroll-style prints |
👉 Ready to explore prints by size?
Discover the beauty of ukiyo-e in all its forms – from compact yotsugiri gems to majestic ōban triptychs.