kabuki actor portrait

Learn about ukiyo-e woodblock! Definition, history, famous artists and prints

What is a “ukiyo-e”? An introduction to Japanese woodblock printing Ukiyo-e  (pronounciation:uː.ˈki.oʊ.ˌeɪ, uːˌkiːjəʊˈeɪ. 浮世絵 in kanji) is essential field in Japanese art . The art never developed without the common people of the Edo Period.   Sponsored Links   It is said that the beginning of the ukiyo-e, the Japanese art of woodblock printings, is the pictures of Kyoto …

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"Otani Oniji as Yakko Edobei" Toshusai Sharaku kabuki woodblock printing

Sharaku’s Otani Oniji and Ichikawa Omezo ukiyo-e prints

Famous Japanese kabuki actor woodblock print, “Otani Oniji as Edobei” by Toshusai Sharaku When it comes to talking about Toshusai Sharaku (?-?), we can hardly discuss without taking the bold woodblock print into account. The name of the artwork is “Otani Oniji as Edobei”. More precisely, the actor is Otani Oniji Ⅲ (1759–96). Thought it is …

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Utagawa Kuniyoshi:biography, ukiyo-e prints of samurai and other artworks

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) was one of the ukiyo-e artists who worked extensively as a member of Utagawa School, along with Hiroshige (広重) and Kunisada (国貞).  He established a unique world not found in other ukiyo-e artists. His talent of paint could be compared to Katsushika Hokusai(葛飾北斎). And thorough the life, he was a totally opposite person …

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Artist Toshusai Sharaku’s kabuki ukiyo-e art print and reprints for sale

Toshusai Sharaku(東洲斎写楽) It was only ten months between 1794 and 1795 that Toshusai Sharaku worked as an ukiyo-e painter. But in the meantime, he has left over 140 kabuki actor portraits.   Mysterious ukiyo-e artist Although many people made various theories who Sharaku was, no one can’t find any definitive proof. Only limited people, such as the publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo (蔦屋重三郎)  …

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