Ukiyo-e is a very popular form of Japanese printmaking, which has influenced many artists around the world. It is characterized by its genre scenes and beautiful landscapes. Let’s find out in detail what Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking is and what it owes its popularity to.
What is Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking
Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese printmaking form. It was created by 17th century Japanese craftsmen, and spread throughout Japan from the 18th century. This art form was inspired by themes such as landscapes, scholars and genre scenes.
The images are usually printed on paper or wood, and are printed in series. The prints are then sold in markets, inside stores and by hawkers.
Ukiyo-e works are usually created by a team of craftsmen that includes an engraver and a colorist. The engraver begins by carving the lines of the image into a wooden board, and the colorist then adds colors using plant pigments.
The distinctive aesthetic of Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e works are known for their recognizable aesthetic and vivid colors. Artists seek to capture the spirituality and beauty of everyday Japanese life. La plupart des images sont des scènes de genre, qui représentent des courtisanes, des samouraïs ou des artistes du kabuki.
Ukiyo-e prints also have an abstract, blurred aesthetic, which differs from the more precise depictions of other art forms. Artists seek to capture the emotion and feelings of their subjects, which are often depicted with subtle colors and a minimalist touch.
Ukiyo-e prints are particularly popular outside of Japan. Impressionist and Art Nouveau artists were all influenced by Ukiyo-e. Ukiyo-e works are displayed in museums around the world, and are an integral part of Japanese art history.
The artists of Ukiyo-e
There have been many talented artists who have worked in the ukiyo-e style. Here are some of the most famous:
- Hokusai: considered one of the greatest ukiyo-e artists of all time, he is best known for his series of 36 views of Mount Fuji.
- Hiroshige: another great ukiyo-e artist, best known for his series of landscapes of the Tokaido Road.
- Utamaro: an artist specializing in portraits of women, he is considered one of the greatest painters of female portraits in ukiyo-e.
- Sharaku: a mysterious artist who worked for a short time, but produced some of the most expressive portraits in ukiyo-e.
- Kiyonaga: an artist specializing in genre scenes (images depicting scenes of everyday life), he is considered one of the greatest genre painters of ukiyo-e.
These and other artists have contributed greatly to the popularity and recognition of ukiyo-e as an important and influential art form in Japan and around the world.
