What are Japanese woodblock prints?

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.

Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?

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.

How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?

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.

How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?

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.

Owl Woodblock Print

Japanese Woodblock Animal

Owl Abstract Art

The Eye By Kiyoshi Saito

Owl Woodblock Letterpress Print Signed by Susan Acker, C. 1975

$364Sale Price|30% Off

Owl Woodblock Letterpress Print Signed by Susan Acker, C. 1975

Located in Ross, CA

Original letterpress woodblock print, signed by the artist Susan Acker, c. 1975 Professionally matted, framed and ready to hang.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Arts and Crafts Prints

Materials

Paper

Kaoru Kawano Signed Lifetime Edition Japanese Woodblock Print The Big Owl

$695

Kaoru Kawano Signed Lifetime Edition Japanese Woodblock Print The Big Owl

By Kaoru Kawano

Located in Studio City, CA

Stylistically, he was one of the first Japanese artists to combine Western-style elements with the traditional methods of woodblock printmaking. This work is known as "The Big Owl" K...

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

Recent Sales

Toshi Yoshida 1Toshi Yoshida, Original Woodblock Print, Nature, Two Owls, Birds, 20th century, 1970

Unavailable

H 21.54 in W 14.77 in D 0.04 in

Toshi Yoshida, Original Woodblock Print, Nature, Two Owls, Birds, 20th century

By Toshi Yoshida 1

Located in London, GB

In this print, two owls are seen perched on a chestnut tree branch.

Category

Late 20th Century Other Art Style Portrait Prints

Materials

Sumi Ink, Handmade Paper, Mulberry Paper, Washi Paper, Pigment, Woodcut

Japanese Yellow Owl Woodblock, 20th Century

Sold

H 31 in W 25 in D 1 in

Japanese Yellow Owl Woodblock

Located in Houston, TX

Yellow Owl against black background by artist unknown in the style of Kiyoshi Saitō. Visible area: 23” x 17.5”. Frame: 31” x 25”. Margins are obscured by framing; may have title, ar...

Category

20th Century Impressionist Animal Prints

Materials

Woodcut

Sold

H 14 in W 10 in

"Le Hibou" (The Owl) Limited Edition Hand-Signed Woodblock by Bernard Lorjou

By Bernard Lorjou

Located in Los Angeles, CA

“Le Hibou” (The Owl), a Limited Edition and Hand-Signed Woodblock by Bernard Lorjou, is an exquisite example of his masterful work.

Category

1960s Expressionist Animal Prints

Materials

Woodcut

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Owl Woodblock Print For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate owl woodblock print for your needs in our varied inventory. You can easily find an example made in the modern style, while we also have 1 modern versions to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an owl woodblock print from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right owl woodblock print is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes beige, gray, black and brown. Finding an appealing owl woodblock print — no matter the origin — is easy, but Paul Jacoulet, Kono Bairei and Shiko Munakata each produced popular versions that are worth a look. These artworks were handmade with extraordinary care, with artists most often working in woodcut print, paper and lithograph.

How Much is a Owl Woodblock Print?

The price for an artwork of this kind can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — an owl woodblock print in our inventory may begin at $194 and can go as high as $3,500, while the average can fetch as much as $600.

Questions About Owl Woodblock Print

What are Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
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.
How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
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.
How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
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.