Japanese Woodblock Prints - 45th Edition

Woodblock Wonders: A Visual History of Japanese Masterpieces

The Japanese woodblock print is a phenomenon of which there exists no Western equivalent. From Édouard Manet's portrait of Émile Zola surrounded by his Japanese art finds to Van Gogh's meticulous copies of Hiroshige prints, 19th-century European modernists made no secret of their devotion to this art form. In all its sensuality, freedom, and effervescence, the woodblock print is credited with the wave of japonaiserie that first enthralled France and later all of Europe—yet it often remains misunderstood as merely an "exotic" artifact that inspired Western creativity.

The truth is far more profound. Some of the most disruptive ideas in modern art were invented in Japan in the 1700s and expressed like never before in the designs of masters such as Hokusai, Utamaro, and Hiroshige in the early 19th century. This volume lifts the veil on a much-loved but little-understood art form, presenting the most exceptional Japanese woodblock prints in their historical context.

Ranging from the 17th-century development of decadent ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," to the decline and resurgence of prints in the early 20th century, this edition offers an unmatched record not only of a unique genre in art history but also of the shifting cultural landscape of Japan. From mystical mountains to snowy passes, samurai swordsmen to courtesans in shop windows, each piece is explored as a work of art in its own right.

Discover the four pillars of the woodblock print—beauties, actors, landscapes, and bird-and-flower compositions—alongside depictions of sumo wrestlers, kabuki actors, and enticing courtesans who populated the "floating world" and fueled the frenzied production of these prints. Delve into the horrifying and obscure, where demons, ghosts, and otherworldly creatures torment the living—stunning images that continue to influence Japanese manga, film, and video games today.

With tremendous ingenuity and wit, publishers and artists fought to circumvent government censorship, creating works united by technical mastery and an infallible eye. This 45th anniversary edition compiles the finest extant impressions from museums and private collections worldwide, offering extensive descriptions to guide you through this frantic period in Japanese art history.

About the Author
Andreas Marks studied East Asian art history at the University of Bonn and obtained his PhD in Japanology from Leiden University. He has served as director and chief curator of the Clark Center for Japanese Art and is currently the Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. In 2024, he was awarded a commendation from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his contributions to promoting Japanese culture.

Specifications
Hardcover, 512 pages
Dimensions: 15.6 × 21.7 cm
Weight: 1.13 kg
45th Edition