Question 1

What are Japanese woodblock prints?

Accepted 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.

Question 2

Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Japanese woodblock prints are valuable. Prices vary greatly, with some selling for hundreds of dollars and others fetching selling prices of over a million at auction. Makers have a big influence on the price, with prints from masters like Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro often having the greatest value. Other things that determine how much woodblock prints are worth include the quality of the image, the condition of the print, its age, its rarity and the demand among collectors. An expert appraiser or dealer can give you an estimate of the value of a particular print. Explore a selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?

Accepted Answer

To identify Japanese woodblock prints, try using the website Ukiyo-e Search. Simply snap a photo of your print and upload it to the site, which will then compare the image to its database of thousands of prints and quickly display the results. If you have difficulty identifying your print, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer who has experience with Japanese art. Shop a large selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a woodblock print is real, turn it over. Due to the processes used to produce woodblock prints, it is usually possible to see the ink bleeding through on the reverse side of an original print. Reproductions will not have this characteristic since they are made by machine. If you're still uncertain whether your print is an original, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer, as it can be very difficult to tell a convincing reprint apart from a real woodblock without proper training. Find a wide variety of woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

Iris Woodblock Print

1950s More Prints

Okiie Hashimoto
Okiie Hashimoto Color woodblock, 1952. "Girl with Irises", 1952

Recent Sales

20th Century Other Art Style Portrait Prints

Toshi Yoshida 1
Toshi Yoshida, Original Woodblock Print, Irises, Ducks, Nature, Shing-hanga, 20th century

Antique 19th Century Japanese Prints

Signed 19th Century Woodblock Print Depicting a Japanese Iris in Gilt Frame

1950s Showa Figurative Prints

Ito Nisaburo
'Irises' — Mid-century Japanese Woodblock, c. 1950s