Ukiyo-e, meaning “pictures of the floating world,” are Japanese woodblock prints that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868), depicting the ephemeral pleasures of urban life. Originating as popular culture in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), these prints showcased subjects like kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, geisha, and scenic landscapes, capturing the fleeting beauty and entertainment of the time. Initially monochrome, they evolved into vibrant polychrome prints, made affordable through mass production, and significantly influenced Western art through “Japonisme.” Artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige cemented the art form’s legacy with iconic works that continue to be celebrated worldwide.
