Japanese Ukiyo-e
Japanese Ukiyo-e is a traditional woodblock printing technique that flourished in Japan from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The term "Ukiyo-e" translates to "pictures of the floating world," reflecting the art's focus on scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and beautiful women. Artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige are well-known for their iconic prints that capture the essence of Japanese culture and nature.
Ukiyo-e prints were created using a multi-step process involving carving woodblocks, inking them, and pressing paper onto the blocks. This method allowed for the production of multiple copies of a single image, making art more accessible to the public. Today, Ukiyo-e remains an important influence on both Japanese and global art.