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What are Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
Japanese woodblock prints, which date back to the 8th century and are also known as ukiyo-e, are a traditional art form originally produced only in Buddhist monasteries to produce religious texts and images. In the 17th century, private studios began opening as woodblock prints became popular. To make a woodblock print, the artist creates a design on paper, and a wood carver places it on the block and carves the design. Each color requires its own woodblock, which are then covered with watercolors and printed on rice paper. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese woodblock prints from top sellers around the world.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) Art on 1stDibs
Seishi Ai-oi Genji – Set of 12 Shunga works together w/astrological commentary
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Middletown, NY
Set of 12 woodblock prints in colors on handmade, laid mulberry paper, 6 3/4 x 10 1/4 inches (170 x 258 mm), printed in Ka-ei 4 (1851). Each print with minor handling wear, otherwise in excellent condition with bright and fresh color, and with details printed in silver ink. The images themselves contain several illusive characters indicating the publisher which are obfuscated by figures, as intended. Presented loose, as issued. A fine set.
The astrological commentary print has a large and meandering blind stamp with a bird and palm frond motif. This print lists various phrases concerning the Twelve Zodiac Animals as historically counted in Japan, and appears to include erotic commentary on the traits of people born under each of the twelve signs.
These Shunga images were issued in books that paralleled (in an erotic fashion...
Category
Mid-19th Century Edo Nude Prints
Materials
Handmade Paper, Ink, Woodcut
Oriental Woman - Woodcut by Utagawa Kunisada - 1830 ca.
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Roma, IT
Oriental Woman is an original print realized around 1830 by Utagawa Kunisada.
Beautiful colored woodblock print.
Good conditions except for some folds...
Category
1830s Figurative Prints
Materials
Woodcut
Ichimura Uzaemon XIII - actor as Okaji of Gion, 1862 "The Six Poetry Immortals"
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Soquel, CA
Ichimura Uzaemon XIII - actor as Okaji of Gion, 1862 "The Six Poetry Immortals"
A Japanese Ukiyo-e woodcut print created circa 1862 by artist Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786-1864). ...
Category
1850s Realist Figurative Prints
Materials
Printer's Ink, Rice Paper, Woodcut
Kumasaka Chōhan to Ushiwakamaru - One of a Diptych Original Woodcut Print
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Soquel, CA
Kumasaka Chōhan to Ushiwakamaru is a Japanese Ukiyo-e print created between 1848 and 1854 by artist Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786-1864). The print is a Diptych, and is part of the...
Category
1850s Realist Figurative Prints
Materials
Printer's Ink, Rice Paper, Woodcut
Kataoka Nizayemon(?)
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Exceptional, brilliant impression and colors from the extremely rare 1st edition
Kataoka Nizayemon(?)
Color woodcut, 1860
From the series: "Contemporary Brocade Mirror Portraits"
Pub...
Category
1860s Portrait Prints
Materials
Woodcut
Courtesan Kumekichi
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Courtesan Kumekichi
Color woodblock, 1858
Kabuki Actor Iwai Kumesaburo III in the role of courtesan Kumekichi, who is standing in snow hold a red sake cup
Publisher: Ohkuniya Kinjiro...
Category
1850s Other Art Style Figurative Prints
Materials
Woodcut