Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print Book

The art of Japanese woodblock printing, known as "ukiyo-e" ("pictures of the floating world"), reflects the rich history and way of life in Japan hundreds of years ago. "Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print" 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. An artist himself, author Frederick Harris--a well-known American collector who lived in Japan for 50 years--pays special attention to the methods and materials employed in Japanese printmaking. The book traces the evolution of "ukiyo-e" 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 "ukiyo-e" woodblock prints rounds out this book of charming, carefully selected prints.Read More