Welcome to Ukiyo-e and Fine Japanese Works of Art.

This is a new list for the discussion of all things related to ukiyo-e and japanese woodblock prints in general. By popular demand we have decided to include other Fine Japanese Works of Art. Lacquer, metalwork, netsuke, inro, paintings and other objects are all covered.

The name for the traditional prints of Japan, ukiyo-e, reveals their basic meaning - "pictures of the floating world". Ukiyo-e prints began with pictures called sumizuri-e developed from book illustrations, with colour as a later innovation. To understand the essence of Japanese prints one must first enjoy the early sumizuri-e.
Quite simply, sumi means "black ink", zuri means "printed", and e means "picture". The lines of sumizuri-e are bold yet poetic, strong yet evocative, heavy yet glowing with light, but above all they flow with movement. These lines are the soul of ukiyo-e and obviously dominate the design.
The next logical step in the development of ukiyo-e prints was that sumizuri-e were given to artisans who added colours, at first few and simple such as tan (derived from red lead), and then many others. Further innovations included the sprinkling of gold dust over selected areas to heighten visual appeal, and the application of urushi, a clear lacquer used in maki-e, to areas required by the artist to stand out.
The next development, as is well known, was that prints became coloured, not by hand, but exclusively from blocks, and from this process grew the colour printing that exists to the present day.

Ukiyo-e prints are a wonderful and authentic Japanese art form from a unique period in Japanese history. They are quite rightly treasured as such, and we hope that this discussion list will add to the appreciation by existing aficionados, and stimulate interest in potential new ones.

On the left you can see a print by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957), titled "Snow at Kiyomizu Hall in Ueno" dated Showa 4 [1929]