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Meiji Prints

MEIJI STYLE

From 1868 to 1912, Emperor Mutsuhito oversaw an era of transformation in Japan. Formerly a country of feudalism and isolation, Japan entered an age of modernization influenced by newly established trade and exchange with the West. The Meiji period, or period of “enlightened rule,” also saw the global impact of the East Asian country’s culture. Japanese Meiji furniture was exhibited at expositions from Paris to San Francisco and created for export.

Prior to the Meiji era, furniture was mostly made by commission for the ruling class; now there were new domestic and international markets. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Meiji furniture made for Japanese homes and buildings constructed in Western styles resulted in taller tables, chairs, cabinets with large drawers and other features. The government invested in areas such as transportation and communication, and because people could freely choose occupations after the restrictions of feudalism, industries of various types were energized by expressive new ideas during those years. Art schools were formed and, for the first time, design was an area of study in the country, leading to the evolution of professional design as a career by the 1890s.

The work of Japanese designers was transmitted widely through lavishly illustrated pattern books that included designs for screens and lacquerware for the home. While screens today may be of use as decorative accents or partitions to ensure privacy in one’s space, Japanese screens were adorned with paintings and were featured in performing arts such as concerts, tea ceremonies and more. The color illustrations that characterize Meiji woodblock prints, a genre of Japanese art that grew out of 17th-century developments in printing and book publishing, depicted the sweeping changes that the era brought to East Asia.

Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions. From colorful porcelain table lamps with silk shades and hardwood tables decorated with dark lacquer to cabinets featuring iron hardware and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, Meiji furniture showcased Japan’s artistic heritage to the world.

Find a collection of antique Japanese Meiji period case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Meiji
Early 20th Century Japanese Woodblock Print in Frame
Early 20th Century Japanese Woodblock Print in Frame

Early 20th Century Japanese Woodblock Print in Frame

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Early 20th century Japanese woodblock print in frame. Unsigned. From a series depicting the night attack and flight of Emperor Go-Shirakawa from the Sanjo Palace to escape the Minamo...

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

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Paper

Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Hachimantarou Yoshiie 1900s
Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Hachimantarou Yoshiie 1900s

Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Hachimantarou Yoshiie 1900s

Located in Paris, FR

This is a printmaking called Hanga in Japanese. This Hanga was made around 1900s in Japan. As this is made with a paper and getting damaged, there is a new paper sticked on the back....

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

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Paper

Framed Japanese Kabuki Triptych Print with Samurai and Courtesan Actors
Framed Japanese Kabuki Triptych Print with Samurai and Courtesan Actors

Framed Japanese Kabuki Triptych Print with Samurai and Courtesan Actors

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Japanese ukiyo-e triptych, this framed Kabuki theater woodblock print captures the energy and drama of Edo-period performance. The scene unfolds across three panels, each meticulou...

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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Taira no Atsumori 1900s
Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Taira no Atsumori 1900s

Antique Japanese Printmaking 'Hanga' of Mr. Taira no Atsumori 1900s

Located in Paris, FR

This is a printmaking called Hanga in Japanese. This Hanga was made around 1900s in Japan. As this is made with a paper and getting damaged, there is a new paper sticked on the back....

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Helen Hyde Signed Japanese Meiji Era Woodblock Woodcut Print The Hired Baby 1909
Helen Hyde Signed Japanese Meiji Era Woodblock Woodcut Print The Hired Baby 1909

Helen Hyde Signed Japanese Meiji Era Woodblock Woodcut Print The Hired Baby 1909

By Helen Hyde

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful Japanese woodblock print by American artist Helen Hyde (1868 –1919) titled "The Hired Baby" which she created in 1909 while she was living and studying art in Japan. T...

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Early 1900s Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers, Japan
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers, Japan

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers, Japan

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Hiroshige Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condition: P...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 9 Antique Japanese or Chinese Block Print Calligrphy Edo, 19th Century
Set of 9 Antique Japanese or Chinese Block Print Calligrphy Edo, 19th Century

Set of 9 Antique Japanese or Chinese Block Print Calligrphy Edo, 19th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Some with some damage or folding. Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condition: Good...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Meiji/Showa Period Set of Cups or Tea Bowls Porcelain Eggshell
Antique Japanese Meiji/Showa Period Set of Cups or Tea Bowls Porcelain Eggshell

Antique Japanese Meiji/Showa Period Set of Cups or Tea Bowls Porcelain Eggshell

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice set of 12 bowls with saucers. Very nicely decorated. They are marked on the base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Japan Dyn...

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20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers of Kiso, Japan
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers of Kiso, Japan

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block Mountains and Rivers of Kiso, Japan

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Hiroshige Mountains and Rivers of Kiso Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Pe...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. 53 stations of Tokaido Road. Hakone Lake View Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road Japan
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road Japan

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road Japan

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. 53 stations of Tokaido Road. Tsuchiyama Spring rain Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan ...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Block Print by Hiroshige Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850’s

Antique Japanese Block Print by Hiroshige Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850’s

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Kunisada 1850’s Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condit...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, English Lady, Meiji Period
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, English Lady, Meiji Period

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, English Lady, Meiji Period

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Antique Japanese Woodblock – English Lady – Meiji Period attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II Yokohama-e – Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama after Japan was opene...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Japanese Woodblock Print, Lives of Great People of the Occident James Watt
Japanese Woodblock Print, Lives of Great People of the Occident James Watt

Japanese Woodblock Print, Lives of Great People of the Occident James Watt

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Antique Japanese Woodblock – Lives of Great People of the Occident James Watt (1736–1819) ca. 1873 attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II The Englishman James Watt Experimenting with st...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Woodblock Print Meiji Period Carriage, 19th Century
Antique Woodblock Print Meiji Period Carriage, 19th Century

Antique Woodblock Print Meiji Period Carriage, 19th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Antique 19th c Woodblock Print - Meiji Period 19th century Carriage. The painter is unknown so far. Additional information: Material: Paper Decoration Type / Colour: Polychrome Regi...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Antique Japanese Woodblock – Dutch Lady with Child and Servant – Meiji Period attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II Yokohama-e – Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama ...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Kunisada Japan Block Print Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850's
Antique Japanese Kunisada Japan Block Print Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850's

Antique Japanese Kunisada Japan Block Print Calligrphy Edo or Meiji, 1850's

By Utagawa Kunisada III

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Kunisada 1850’s. Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (1867-1912) Condi...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant Meiji Period
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant Meiji Period

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, Dutch Lady with Child and Servant Meiji Period

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Antique Japanese Woodblock – Dutch Lady with Child and Servant – Meiji Period attributed to Utagawa Kuniteru II Yokohama-e – Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama ...

Category

19th Century Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, William Lee Inventor of the Knitting Machine
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, William Lee Inventor of the Knitting Machine

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print, William Lee Inventor of the Knitting Machine

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Antique Japanese Woodblock – William Lee Inventor of the Knitting Machine “Lives of Great People of the Occident ca. 1870 William Lee [1563–1614]: Inventor of the Knitting Machine (...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

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Located in Langweer, NL

Antique print titled 'Choret I Lunds Domkyrka'. View of the interior of Lund Cathedral (Swedish: Lunds domkyrka), a cathedral of the Lutheran Church of Sweden in Lund, Scania, Sweden...

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Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige
Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige

Japanese Woodblock Print Famous Views of the Sixty-Odd Provinces by Hiroshige

By Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige)

Located in Atlanta, GA

Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Series: Pictures of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces Number: 44 Oki Province: Takuhi Shrine Medium: Woodblock Print Date: 1853 (Kaei 6), 12th month Number of Prints: 70/70 (inc. Title Page) Format: Vertical Oban Size (H x W): 14" x 9.25" print only. Publisher: Koshimuraya Heisuke (Koshihei) Blockcutter's mark: Hori Ko-Sen Signature: Hiroshige hitsu Additional marks: Censor's seals: aratame, Ox 12 Displayed with mat and gilt wood frame. Reference: For an identical print, see the collection of MIA (Minneapolis Institute of Art) Accession Number P.75.51.398; MFA...

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1850s Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

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Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Japanese Artist 19th Century
Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Japanese Artist 19th Century

Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Japanese Artist 19th Century

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Rare, original 19th century woodblock print. Beautiful Edo period print from the original publisher. Quality framed with conservation glass in an black painted frame. Red Blue Gree...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

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Kiyoshi Saito Signed Japanese Woodblock Geisha Print Maiko Kyoto 3
Kiyoshi Saito Signed Japanese Woodblock Geisha Print Maiko Kyoto 3

Kiyoshi Saito Signed Japanese Woodblock Geisha Print Maiko Kyoto 3

By Kiyoshi Saitō

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautifully and serenely composed woodblock print by famed Japanese printmaker Kiyoshi Saito. Many consider Saito to be one of the most important, if not the most important, contem...

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1960s Japanese Vintage Meiji Prints

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Paper

Pair Framed Japanese Art Deco Botanical Woodblock Prints C.1930
Pair Framed Japanese Art Deco Botanical Woodblock Prints C.1930

Pair Framed Japanese Art Deco Botanical Woodblock Prints C.1930

$2,871 / set

H 19.69 in W 14.57 in D 0.6 in

Pair Framed Japanese Art Deco Botanical Woodblock Prints C.1930

Located in London, GB

Pair Framed Japanese Art Deco Botanical Woodblock Prints C.1930 Original hand-printed Japanese colour woodblock print. Printed in 1930 and 1931. Signed and with artist's red seal. Ex...

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Early 20th Century Meiji Prints

Materials

Paper

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Designed by Kikukawa Eizan
Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Designed by Kikukawa Eizan

Framed Japanese Woodblock Print Designed by Kikukawa Eizan

By Kikukawa Eizan

Located in Yonkers, NY

This framed Japanese woodblock print, designed by Kikukawa Eizan (1787–1867), depicts an elegantly dressed *bijin*, or beautiful woman, examining a small lacquered box. Renowned for ...

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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Masaoka Konobu Hasegawa Signed Rare Japanese Bunraku Puppet Woodblock Print
Masaoka Konobu Hasegawa Signed Rare Japanese Bunraku Puppet Woodblock Print

Masaoka Konobu Hasegawa Signed Rare Japanese Bunraku Puppet Woodblock Print

Located in Studio City, CA

A somewhat rare and hard-to-find image by Japanese artist Masaoka Konobu Hasegawa (though we have also seen this image attributed to artist Hanabusa Hideki as well) of a male Bunraku puppet...

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Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

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2 Japanese Ukiyo-e Kikukawa Eizan Courtesan Geisha Musician Woodblock Prints 32"
2 Japanese Ukiyo-e Kikukawa Eizan Courtesan Geisha Musician Woodblock Prints 32"

2 Japanese Ukiyo-e Kikukawa Eizan Courtesan Geisha Musician Woodblock Prints 32"

Located in Dayton, OH

Pair of vintage 20th century Japanese woodblock prints after ukiyo-e style art of geishas / courtesans by Kikukawa Eizan. One shows a seated courtesan in a pink floral kimono playing...

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Mid-20th Century Japanese Meiji Prints

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Paper

Previously Available Items
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print Depicting Generals, Meiji Period, Late 19Th C.
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print Depicting Generals, Meiji Period, Late 19Th C.

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print Depicting Generals, Meiji Period, Late 19Th C.

Located in Bristol, GB

ANTIQUE ORIGINAL WOODBLOCK PRINT (UKIYO-E) An original woodblock print from Japan. Probably dating from the late 19th century Meiji period, circa c. 1870s-1880s. Depicting general...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Paper

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Block 53 stations of Tokaido Road, Japan

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. 53 stations of Tokaido Road. Departure from Edo Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Peri...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

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Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Calligrphy One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Calligrphy One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

Antique Japanese Print by Hiroshige, Calligrphy One Hundred Famous Views of Edo

By Hiroshige

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice block print by Hiroshige. Kinryusan Temple at akusa. One Hundred Famous Views of Edo Additional information: Material: Paper Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

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Paper

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print of a Samurai, 19th Century
Antique Japanese Woodblock Print of a Samurai, 19th Century

Antique Japanese Woodblock Print of a Samurai, 19th Century

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A vibrant antique Japanese wood block print of a samurai. The block print with broad sage green mat with ebonized Asian style frame with UV Glass. M...

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19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

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Gilt Framed Utagawa Toyokuni II Geisha Japanese Woodblock Print Parchment Paper
Gilt Framed Utagawa Toyokuni II Geisha Japanese Woodblock Print Parchment Paper

Gilt Framed Utagawa Toyokuni II Geisha Japanese Woodblock Print Parchment Paper

By Utagawa Toyokuni II

Located in Miami, FL

Original Utagawa Toyokuni II Geisha Japanese woodblock print on parchment paper in gilt frame. Marked by Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni II (1777-1835) a...

Category

Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Paint, Parchment Paper, Wood

Japanese Meiji Period Triptych Print Imperial Army Officers
Japanese Meiji Period Triptych Print Imperial Army Officers

Japanese Meiji Period Triptych Print Imperial Army Officers

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rare and unusual Japanese Meiji period wood block print depicting various famous military officers of the Imperial Army. Beautifully colored with eac...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Meiji Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper, Wood

Meiji prints for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Meiji prints for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage prints created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Meiji prints made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and Japan pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original prints, popular names associated with this style include Toyohara Chikanobu, and Toyonobu Utagawa. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for prints differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $5,000 while the average work can sell for $1,263.