Introduction to Japanese Prints
Japanese prints are impressions made on plant-based sheets using engraved wooden blocks. They originated in China and were imported to Japan at the beginning of the 13th century. However, they developed during the Edo period (1600-1868), giving rise to a unique artistic movement: ukiyo-e.
How are Japanese prints made?
The creation of a Japanese print unfolds in three stages:
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Drawing: The artist begins by finalizing their artwork on a sheet.
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Engraving: The engraver, who is not the same person, deconstructs the drawing based on its different colors and starts the engraving on various blocks.
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Printing: Finally, a third person takes care of inking the drawing onto a plant-based sheet using different inks and the engraved blocks.
We intentionally omit mentioning a third person who is indeed present but does not directly participate in the creation of the print. This person is the publisher, who oversees the smooth progress of the print creation by coordinating the work of the illustrator, engraver, and printer. The publisher is also responsible for finding talented individuals in their respective fields and contracting them.
What are the purposes of Japanese prints?
Originally, Japanese prints were used for printing religious texts. They were later used for printing books, and it was not until later that they contributed to the development of the ukiyo-e art (starting in 1600).
The prints continuously reflected the economic and social situation of the country through their designs. They often depicted various cultural aspects of Japan, such as geishas, samurais, traditional landscapes, and popular animals like carps or cats. This conveyed an important message, which is the very soul of ukiyo-e: everything is ephemeral and changing, and therefore, we must enjoy every moment of our lives. Literally, ukiyo-e means "pictures of the floating world."
Initially, prints were used as posters, often pasted on poles/pillars, but their main role remains decorative. They were thus given as gifts to those who could afford to buy them. The last form of print, called "surimono," was luxury prints produced in limited editions and privately commissioned. Only the wealthiest Japanese could afford them, and they were used to illustrate a poem or some achievement in the life of a noble. Japan, having experienced a long period of isolation from the outside world, did not adopt printing methods like lithography or printing presses. Thus, Japan continued to use prints as a unique means of printing and learned to perfect this art like no other in the world.
Why use Japanese prints as decorative objects?
Prints primarily reflect a philosophy and a way of thinking. But they also, and especially, serve to decorate a room or living space, bringing a unique ambiance.
Original prints are relatively rare items that can quickly become very expensive, with prices reaching up to €40,000 to €50,000 for original works like "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai. That's why we prefer to offer reproductions of original Japanese prints. This drastically lowers the price and addresses major issues faced by many modern prints, such as discoloration and aging of the paper which diminish the quality of the print.
In our "Japanese Prints" collection, you will find a wide range of reproductions of some of the most beautiful prints produced in Japan, including works by Hokusai: "The 36 Views of Mount Fuji".
