Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints
A beautifully illustrated introduction to Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)—slipcased, with three frameable prints

In Edo Japan, woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e (“pictures of the Floating World”) captured the entertainment culture of the urban elite and eventually many other subjects as well. These beautiful prints were the result of a meticulous craft process, in which an artist’s initial drawing was translated by expert carvers into multiple printing blocks for different colors.

In this attractive volume, Sarah E. Thompson, curator of Japanese art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, provides a highly readable overview of the cultural and artistic history of ukiyo-e, showcasing 120 exceptional prints from the museum’s world-class collection, by masters including Utamaro, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. She explores each of the principal genres in turn: beauty and fashion, the kabuki theater, landscape, nature, history and literature, and fantasy.

Pictures of the Floating World features a traditional Japanese stab binding and is housed in a durable slipcase together with three remarkable prints, suitable for framing. It will be a must-have for all art lovers.

1141104387
Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints
A beautifully illustrated introduction to Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)—slipcased, with three frameable prints

In Edo Japan, woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e (“pictures of the Floating World”) captured the entertainment culture of the urban elite and eventually many other subjects as well. These beautiful prints were the result of a meticulous craft process, in which an artist’s initial drawing was translated by expert carvers into multiple printing blocks for different colors.

In this attractive volume, Sarah E. Thompson, curator of Japanese art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, provides a highly readable overview of the cultural and artistic history of ukiyo-e, showcasing 120 exceptional prints from the museum’s world-class collection, by masters including Utamaro, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. She explores each of the principal genres in turn: beauty and fashion, the kabuki theater, landscape, nature, history and literature, and fantasy.

Pictures of the Floating World features a traditional Japanese stab binding and is housed in a durable slipcase together with three remarkable prints, suitable for framing. It will be a must-have for all art lovers.

36.0 In Stock
Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints

Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints

by Sarah E. Thompson
Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints

Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints

by Sarah E. Thompson

Overview

A beautifully illustrated introduction to Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)—slipcased, with three frameable prints

In Edo Japan, woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e (“pictures of the Floating World”) captured the entertainment culture of the urban elite and eventually many other subjects as well. These beautiful prints were the result of a meticulous craft process, in which an artist’s initial drawing was translated by expert carvers into multiple printing blocks for different colors.

In this attractive volume, Sarah E. Thompson, curator of Japanese art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, provides a highly readable overview of the cultural and artistic history of ukiyo-e, showcasing 120 exceptional prints from the museum’s world-class collection, by masters including Utamaro, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. She explores each of the principal genres in turn: beauty and fashion, the kabuki theater, landscape, nature, history and literature, and fantasy.

Pictures of the Floating World features a traditional Japanese stab binding and is housed in a durable slipcase together with three remarkable prints, suitable for framing. It will be a must-have for all art lovers.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780789214393
Publisher: Abbeville Publishing Group
Publication date: 11/22/2022
Pages: 176
Product dimensions: 7.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Sarah E. Thompson is a curator of Japanese art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and creator of the MFA’s digital catalog of over fifty thousand prints. She has curated numerous exhibitions at the MFA and elsewhere, including Tattoos in Japanese Prints. Her most recent books include Genji: The Prince and the Parodies and Hokusai’s Landscapes: The Complete Series.
From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Customer Reviews