"Ukiyo-e" Is a Genre of Painting Established in the Early Edo Period
"Ukiyo-e" is a genre of painting established in the early Edo period. Generally, Edo-period woodblock prints are known as representative works of ukiyo-e. However, originally hand-painted pictures (those drawn directly with a brush) preceded and later transitioned to woodblock prints. Woodblock prints enabled mass production and lower costs, making them accessible to the general public.
"Ukiyo-e" Means "Pictures Depicting Contemporary Fashion and Trends"
The term "浮世("Uki-yo")" originates from "憂き世" ("Uki-yo"), where "Uki" means "suffering" or "painful" and "yo" is a noun meaning "world." It refers to the transient and sorrowful nature of life. Later, it came to be used to describe contemporary trends and fashions. Therefore, "Ukiyo-e" means pictures depicting the fashionable trends of the time.
Nishiki-e (Full-Color Prints) Began in 1765
Woodblock print ukiyo-e began with "Sumizuri-e" (black and white prints) in the Manji era (1657-1661). In 1690, "Tan-e" (hand-colored prints) were created by adding colors with a brush to Sumizuri-e, followed by "Beni-e" and "Urushi-e" in 1716. In 1744, "Benizuri-e" (prints using red, yellow, and green) emerged, and in 1765, "Nishiki-e" (full-color prints using multiple blocks) was invented. While "Nishiki-e" and "ukiyo-e" are often used interchangeably, strictly speaking, Nishiki-e refers to multi-colored ukiyo-e prints.
Hishikawa Moronobu is the Founder of Ukiyo-e
The first person to create ukiyo-e in Japan is said to be Hishikawa Moronobu (1618?-1694), who was active in the early Edo period. His earliest illustrated book is believed to have been published in 1671. Although Moronobu's era was still monochrome with Sumizuri-e, the advent of Nishiki-e brought full-color prints. The mass production of Nishiki-e through woodblock printing allowed the common people to find and purchase single-sheet prints for personal enjoyment at an affordable price (equivalent to a bowl of soba noodles). The mass production and consumption enabled by ukiyo-e printing technology in Edo allowed Edo culture to rival Kamigata culture from the latter half of the 17th century onwards.
Ukiyo-e Played a Key Role in Shifting Japanese Culture from the Kansai Region to Tokyo
Thus, the emergence of ukiyo-e was pivotal in shifting Japanese culture from the Kansai region to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Viewing ukiyo-e through the lens of Japan's cultural shift allows us to appreciate them not only as artworks but also as historical documents that provide a broader perspective on Japanese history.
Book Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
Comments