Japanese Woodblock Prints - Taschen Basic Art Series

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Discover the captivating world of Japanese woodblock prints, an art form that deeply influenced 19th-century European modernists like Manet and Van Gogh. This book explores the rich history and cultural significance of these prints beyond their often misunderstood "exotic" label.

An insightful journey into the unique and influential art of Japanese woodblock prints.

Japanese woodblock prints sparked a wave of fascination known as japonaiserie, enchanting France and later all of Europe with their sensuality, freedom, and vibrancy. Unlike any Western art form, these prints represent a phenomenon rooted in Japan's own artistic innovation. Some of the most groundbreaking ideas in modern art, including Karl Marx’s famous phrase "all that is solid melts into air," originated in 18th-century Japan and were vividly expressed by masters like Hokusai, Utamaro, and Hiroshige in the early 19th century.

This volume unveils the story behind this beloved yet often overlooked art form by showcasing outstanding examples of Japanese woodblock prints within their historical backdrop. It traces the evolution from the 17th-century emergence of ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," through to the decline and revival of the print tradition in the early 20th century.

The book highlights the four main themes of woodblock prints: beauties, actors, landscapes, and bird-and-flower compositions. Alongside these, it features images of sumo wrestlers, kabuki performers, and alluring courtesans-figures who were the celebrities of the floating world and whose popularity drove the prolific production of prints.

Additionally, it explores darker and more mysterious subjects, such as demons, ghosts, and supernatural beings that haunt the living. These striking visuals continue to inspire contemporary Japanese manga, cinema, and video games, underscoring the enduring legacy of this extraordinary art form.

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