Prints

Japanese Prints – Stamped in Time

Although woodblock printing is evidenced to have been used in China for centuries before it surfaced in Japan, the style of woodblock prints that we commonly recognize today is called ukiyo-e, a Japanese genre of woodblock prints made from the 17th to the 20th century. Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” were allowed to grow to its current height of popularity due to the fact that the prints could be mass produced, and those who couldn't afford original artworks could afford the prints. These print buyers could also appreciate the subject matter of ukiyo-e, as they originally portrayed city life, namely scenes from the entertainment district involving actors, sumo wrestlers and alluring courtesans. Landscape took over as popular subject matter after a time, but above all, sexually suggestive scenes prevailed.

Japanese woodblock prints still captivate our imaginations today because of their insight into Japanese life during the time they were created, as well as for their artistic merit. But woodblock printing was not only used to create pictures: it was also used to print books. From as early as the 8th century books printed at Chinese Buddhist temples could be found in Japan. The first pieces of woodblock printing to be produced in Japan were commissioned by the Empress Shotuku in 764, when she placed an order for one million little pagodas made of wood, each housing a woodblock scroll. The pagodas and woodblock prints were then distributed to all the temples, thus introducing the Japanese woodblock print to the nation.

Have a look through our collection of Japanese woodblock prints today. Whether adding to a woodblock print collection, looking for a final piece to complete a room or a unique gift for a unique friend, you'll find all styles and phases of woodblock prints from Japan here.