Ukiyo-e

The art of Japanese woodblock printing, known as <i>ukiyo-e</i> («pictures of the floating world»), reflects the rich history and way of life in Japan hundreds of years ago. <i>Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print</i> takes a thematic approach to this iconic Japanese art form, considering prints by subject matter: geisha and courtesans, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, erotica, nature, historical subjects and even images of foreigners in Japan.<br><br>An artist himself, author Frederick Harris&#8212;a well-known American collector who lived in Japan for 50 years&#8212;pays special attention to the methods and materials employed in Japanese printmaking. The book traces the evolution of <i>ukiyo-e</i> from its origins in metropolitan Edo (Tokyo) art culture as black and white illustrations, to delicate two-color prints and multicolored designs. Advice to admirers on how to collect, care for, view and buy Japanese <i>ukiyo-e</i> woodblock prints rounds out this book of charming, carefully selected prints.