Ukiyo-e: The Lost World of Japanese Woodblock Printing (9784805320648)

Enter the vibrant and complex world of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints!

Japanese woodblock printing, known as ukiyo-e (meaning "pictures from the floating world"), is a popular art form that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868) and beyond. This fascinating book reveals Japanese woodblock prints for what they truly were: the earliest illustrated mass media of Japan (think: lifestyle magazines, travel guides and even sex manuals) — the works that opened up new horizons and experiences to a voracious reading public.

Perfect for art lovers and anyone fascinated by Japanese culture and history, this book provides a fresh look at the Japanese artists and artworks that have captivated the world. It explains how ukiyo-e woodblock prints reflect the daily lives, famous people, history, culture and society of the times, with detailed chapters on:

• The history of ukiyo-e, tracing the development of Japanese woodblock printing from the 17th to the early 20th centuries
• The major genres and subjects depicted, including scenes from daily life, actors, beautiful women, historic battles and heroes, exotic places, adventure tales, erotic art and supernatural monsters, ghosts and demons
• Profiles of fifty leading artists including masters such as Kitagawa Utamaro, Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, along with profiles of the publishers who commissioned, financed, produced and sold their works
• How ukiyo-e were made, from the roles of the artists, carvers, printers and publishers to the technical sophistication of multi-color nishiki-e woodblock printing
• Collecting ukiyo-e — how to identify artist signatures and publisher seals, with practical tips for beginning collectors

About the Author:
The Kamiyu Art and History Group (Kamiyu Rekishi Hensh?bu) is a Tokyo-based team of creatives specializing in works combining color illustrations, maps and detailed infographics that bring the past to life for modern readers. Guided by the motto "History is Entertainment!," the group works across a broad range of subjects including Japanese history, world history, art history, religion, mythology and travel. In addition to books, magazines and illustrated reference works, Kamiyu develops websites, apps, events, video productions and promotional materials for municipal governments. Its bestselling titles include Exploring Castles Through History, Japanese History Revealed: The Ultimate Visual Guide, Foods That Changed World History and A Manga Guide to the Kojiki.