What is Ukiyo-e?

Ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings, flourished primarily during the Edo period. These artworks depict everyday life in Japan, capturing the essence of the period through scenes of daily activities, beautiful landscapes, famous kabuki actors, and portraits of renowned beauties. The woodblock print format, in particular, allowed for mass production, making these pieces accessible to the general public.

Ukiyo-e is celebrated for its vibrant colors, distinctive compositions, and its ability to symbolize the beauty of Japanese culture. The art form became immensely popular, and its influence extended far beyond Japan's borders. In the 19th century, a large number of Ukiyo-e works made their way to Europe, profoundly impacting European artists.

Among these artists, Édouard Manet is known for his fascination with Japonism, and in his painting Portrait of Émile Zola, Ukiyo-e can be seen in the background. Vincent van Gogh was another avid collector of Ukiyo-e, incorporating its elements into his own works. He often depicted Ukiyo-e prints in the backgrounds of his paintings or even painted in a style influenced by them.

Ukiyo-e is characterized by its strong use of line, with clear, no depth. This technique of expressing form through a combination of straight and curved lines had a significant impact on Art Nouveau, abstract art, and graphic design.

Although Ukiyo-e began to decline with the advent of lithography and photography, the 20th century saw efforts to revive and modernize the art form. Artists such as Kawase Hasui, Hashiguchi Goyō, and Yoshida Hiroshi were instrumental in this movement, creating what is known as Shin-hanga, or "new woodblock prints." Kawase Hasui's works, in particular, gained recognition from American collector Robert O. Muller and even the late Steve Jobs, who were both known for their admiration of his art.

Ukiyo-e remains a vital part of Japan's cultural heritage, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences around the world with its timeless beauty and unique artistic vision.