Japanese Woodblock Prints. Hardcover Art Coffee Table Book

An Editorial on the Art of the Floating World 🎨

This exquisite book is a visual feast, featuring some of the most exceptional Japanese woodblock prints ever created. From the decadent ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," of the 17th century to the genre's resurgence in the 20th century, this volume provides a comprehensive historical and cultural context for each masterpiece.

512 pages 📖

The art of Japanese woodblock printing is a phenomenon with no Western equivalent, and this book reveals its revolutionary impact. It uncovers how disruptive ideas in modern art, such as the fleeting nature of life, were pioneered in Japan in the 1700s. The book showcases the genius of masters such as Katsushika Hokusai, Kitagawa Utamaro, and Utagawa Hiroshige, whose designs from the early 19th century continue to inspire artists today.

Taschen's 'Japanese Woodblock Prints' delves into the four pillars of the genre: beauties, actors, landscapes, and bird-and-flower compositions. It also highlights the depictions of sumo wrestlers, kabuki actors, and alluring courtesans, who were the rock stars of their time. The book further explores the more obscure and mystical side of the prints, featuring demons, ghosts, and otherworldly creatures that have influenced Japanese manga, films, and video games.

Dimensions: 15.6 x 4.3 x 21.7 cm 📕

Among the featured artists is Katsushika Hokusai, a true legend of the art world. Did you know that Hokusai created the iconic series 'Thirty six Views of Mount Fuji' when he was in his seventies? Or that he adopted over 30 different names throughout his career? These fascinating facts bring the art to life and add a layer of intrigue to the breathtaking images.

This beautiful book is more than just a collection of images; it is a celebration of a unique artistic genre and a testament to the enduring power of Japanese art. 🇯🇵