Ukiyo-e by Genre

  • Famous places & Landscape

    Captivating "pictures of famous places" that showcase Japan’s seasonal beauty, iconic landmarks, and the nostalgic atmosphere of old travel routes.

    See our blog Introducing Meisho-e for further information.

  • Beauty / Bijin-ga

    Portraits of beautiful women, capturing the elegance, fashion, and sophisticated charm of the Edo period.

    See our blog Introducing Bijin-ga for further information.

  • Kabuki actors & play

    Dynamic portraits of famous Kabuki actors, showcasing their dramatic expressions and flamboyant costumes.

    See our blog Introducing Kabuki Prints for further information.

  • Warlords / Samurai

    Powerful depictions of legendary warriors and brave samurai, filled with action and historical heroism.

    See our blog Introducing Musha-e for further information.

  • Birds and flowers

    Known as Kacho-ga, these prints celebrate the delicate beauty of nature through seasonal flora and fauna.

    See our blog Introducing Kachōga for further information.

  • Sumo wrestlers

    Bold prints capturing the strength and dignity of Japan's legendary Sumo champions in the ring.

    See our blog Introducing Sumo Prints for further information.

  • Tale of Genji

    Elegant scenes inspired by the world’s oldest novel, depicting the aristocratic romance and culture of the imperial court.

    See our blog Introducing Genji-e for further information.

  • Maps

    Artistic and detailed woodblock-printed maps, offering a unique bird's-eye view of old Japan and its provinces.

  • Shunga

    explicit and artistically sophisticated erotic art that explores human intimacy and humor.

    See our blog Introducing Shunga for further information.

  • Cruelty

    Intense and visceral prints depicting bloody scenes or dark folklore, known for their hauntingly beautiful aesthetics.

  • Osaka prints / Kamigata-e

    Unique prints from the Osaka region, focusing heavily on realistic and character-driven Kabuki portraits.

    See our blog Introducing Kamigata-e for further information.

  • Flyer / Hikifuda

    Vibrant woodblock-printed advertisements used by Edo and Meiji-era shops to promote sales and new year greetings.

  • Modern print / Shin-hanga

    The 20th-century revival of woodblock printing, blending traditional techniques with Western-influenced light and shadow.

    See our blog Introducing Shin-hanga for further information.

  • Toy picture / Omocha-e

    Educational and playful prints designed for children, featuring paper dolls, board games, and cut-outs.

  • Monsters and ghosts

    Fantastical depictions ofYokai(monsters) and vengeful spirits, reflecting Japan's rich tradition of supernatural folklore.

  • Tattoo

    Prints showcasing heroes with elaborate body art, which heavily influenced the history of traditional Japanese tattooing.

  • Culture, Customs & History

    Prints illustrating the daily customs, festivals, and significant historical events of Japanese society.

  • War & Battle

    Dramatic reports of historical conflicts, particularly popular during the Meiji era as a form of visual news.

    See our blog Introducing Sino-Japanese War Print for further information.

  • Early Modern / Kaika-e

    Prints capturing Japan's rapid modernization, featuring steam locomotives, Western architecture, and new fashions.

    See our blog Introducing Kaika-e and Yokohama-e for further information.

  • Reprint

    High-quality woodblock prints recreated using traditional methods to preserve the beauty of lost or rare masterpieces.

  • 47 Ronin / Chushingura

    Visual storytelling of the ultimate tale of loyalty and revenge, a perennial favorite among the Japanese public.

    See our blog Introducing Chushingura (47 Ronin) for further information.

  • Frontispiece / Kuchi-e

    Delicate, romantic woodblock illustrations tucked into the front of popular novels during the Meiji and Taisho eras.

    See our blog Introducing Frontispiece (Kuchi-e) for further information.