Ukiyo-e by Genre
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Maps
Artistic and detailed woodblock-printed maps, offering a unique bird's-eye view of old Japan and its provinces.
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Shunga
explicit and artistically sophisticated erotic art that explores human intimacy and humor.
See our blog Introducing Shunga for further information.
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Cruelty
Intense and visceral prints depicting bloody scenes or dark folklore, known for their hauntingly beautiful aesthetics.
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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.
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Flyer / Hikifuda
Vibrant woodblock-printed advertisements used by Edo and Meiji-era shops to promote sales and new year greetings.
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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.
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Toy picture / Omocha-e
Educational and playful prints designed for children, featuring paper dolls, board games, and cut-outs.
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Monsters and ghosts
Fantastical depictions ofYokai(monsters) and vengeful spirits, reflecting Japan's rich tradition of supernatural folklore.
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Tattoo
Prints showcasing heroes with elaborate body art, which heavily influenced the history of traditional Japanese tattooing.
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Culture, Customs & History
Prints illustrating the daily customs, festivals, and significant historical events of Japanese society.
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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.
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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.
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Reprint
High-quality woodblock prints recreated using traditional methods to preserve the beauty of lost or rare masterpieces.
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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.
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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.