20 Facts You Might Not Know About Ukiyoe – Ultimate Guide

Ukiyo-e: 20 Facts You Might Not Know

Ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art, flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries, producing woodblock prints and paintings that captured the essence of the "floating world" of Edo's urban culture. Here are 20 fascinating facts about ukiyo-e that offer a deeper insight into this captivating art form.

1. Origins and Meaning

Ukiyo-e translates to "pictures of the floating world," a term that describes the hedonistic lifestyle of the urban class in Edo (present-day Tokyo).

2. Early Development

The earliest ukiyo-e works emerged in the 1670s with Hishikawa Moronobu's paintings and monochromatic prints of beautiful women. These prints were initially separated from illustration inserts in printed books.

3. Color Introduction

Color prints were introduced gradually, with artists like Okumura Masanobu using multiple woodblocks to print areas of color. Full-color production became standard in the 1760s with Suzuki Harunobu's "brocade prints".

4. Production Process

Ukiyo-e production involved several specialists: the artist designed the prints, the carver cut the woodblocks, the printer inked and pressed the blocks onto handmade paper, and the publisher financed, promoted, and distributed the works.

5. Themes and Genres

Typical subjects included female beauties ("bijin-ga"), kabuki actors ("yakusha-e"), sumo wrestlers, landscapes, and nature scenes. These themes were popular among the urban class, who decorated their homes with these prints.

6. Influence of Kabuki and Sumo

Portraits of kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers were highly demanded, reflecting the popularity of these entertainments during the Edo period.

7. Landscape Prints

Landscapes, particularly those by Utagawa Hiroshige, became iconic in ukiyo-e. Hiroshige's works, such as "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō," are renowned for their poetic approach.

8. Nature Prints (Kachō-e)

Nature prints, known as kachō-e, focused on flowers and birds but also included other subjects. Hokusai's detailed nature prints helped establish kachō-e as a genre.

9. Historical and Legendary Scenes

Following the Tenpō Reforms, artists turned to depicting historical scenes, ancient warriors, and scenes from legend, literature, and religion.

10. Patronage and Pricing

Ukiyo-e prints were affordable for the general public, selling from as low as 16 mon to 100 mon for deluxe editions. Paintings, however, were much more expensive and likely purchased by wealthy merchants and samurai.

11. Size and Display

The small size of ukiyo-e works made them ideal for hanging in the limited space of lower-class homes. Visitors to Edo often bought these prints as souvenirs.

12. Preservation Challenges

Ukiyo-e prints are susceptible to fading and paper deterioration, requiring careful storage and regular inspection to maintain their condition.

13. Influence on Western Art

Ukiyo-e significantly influenced Western art, particularly during the Japonism movement. Artists like Van Gogh and Monet were inspired by ukiyo-e prints.

14. Export and Global Reach

Despite being considered disposable in Japan, ukiyo-e prints were exported and became popular in Europe. They were often used as wrapping paper for exported goods.

15. Notable Artists

Utagawa Hiroshige, known for his landscapes, and Utagawa Kunisada, who produced over 20,000 designs, are among the most celebrated ukiyo-e artists.

16. Tōshūsai Sharaku's Unique Style

Tōshūsai Sharaku, active for only about a year, is admired for his realistic and dynamic prints of kabuki actors, which were initially met with disapproval for their unflattering details.

17. Kitagawa Utamaro's Impact

Kitagawa Utamaro's work, particularly his "bijin ōkubi-e" (large-headed pictures of beautiful women), influenced the Impressionists in Europe. His emphasis on light and shade was especially noted.

18. Role of Publishers

Publishers played a crucial role in financing, promoting, and distributing ukiyo-e works. They were instrumental in making these prints accessible to a wide audience.

19. Social Context

Ukiyo-e reflected the social life of the Edo era, capturing the essence of the urban culture and the entertainments of the time. The prints were a form of mass entertainment for the common people.

20. Legacy and Collecting

Today, ukiyo-e prints are highly valued by collectors. For those interested in collecting, it is essential to understand the history, production process, and preservation needs of these artworks.