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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
Kabuki Actor, Mid 19th Century Figurative Japanese Woodblock Print
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful mid 19th century figural Japanese woodblock print of a kabuki actor in blue by Utagawa Toyokuni III (Kunisada) (Japanese, 1786-1864/5). Artist's chop is in the upper left corner of the piece. Presented in a cream mat, with a black and red frame and plexiglas. Image size ~13.5"H x 9.5"W
During his lifetime Kunisada Utagawa...
Category
1860s Edo Figurative Prints
Materials
Paper, Ink
Beauty Otami - Kabuki
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Beauty Otami - Kabuki
Note: Kabuki actor Nakamura Matsue is in the role of courtesan otami. She is standing in front of a small tea shop in a garden.
Color woodblock, c. 1800-1810
Si...
Category
Early 1800s Portrait Prints
Materials
Woodcut
'Tokaido' — Mt. Fuji Rising – Mid-Nineteenth Century Woodblock Print
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Utagawa Kunisada (Tokoyuni III), 'Tokaido', color woodblock, 1863. Signed in the cartouche, lower right. A fine impression, with rich, fresh colors and pronounced woodgrain, the full...
Category
1860s Edo Figurative Prints
Materials
Woodcut
Elegant Amusements of Eastern Genji - Japanese Triptych Woodblock Print on Paper
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Soquel, CA
Elegant Amusements of Eastern Genji - Japanese Triptych Woodblock Print on Paper
Dynamic woodblock print with several elegantly dressed figures by Utag...
Category
1850s Edo Figurative Prints
Materials
Paper, Ink, Woodcut
Shunga - Woodcut by Utagawa Kunisada - 1850s
By Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Located in Roma, IT
Shunga is an original artwork realized in the 1850s by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865).
Making love in the winter on a terrace, behind the couple stone sculpture of the Jizo-Bosatsu.
...
Category
1850s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Woodcut
