Japanese prints

Japanese print

L'Japanese print, also called woodblock print, is a delicate art whose Japanese name means “pictures of the floating world”. These drawings, whose style is recognizable at a glance, have long been popular in popular circles, and they also embody the artistic effervescence specific to the Edo period (1600-1869). Even today, Japanese prints are appreciated for their inimitable style and timeless features.

oneart invites you to discover and rediscover Japanese prints through a selection of art editions from the most beautiful works.

Japanese prints: the origins of a skillfully orchestrated art

When we talk about Japanese prints, one period in particular stands out: the Edo era, which extends from 1600 to 1869. It is during this period that woodcuts are most commonly practiced and commercialized. Prints are then considered an art form as vulgar because they represent scenes from daily life, in total opposition to traditional art which depicts heroic or religious scenes. The Meiji era (1868 to 1912) corresponds to the second generation of theJapanese print: this is a period of opening up of Japan to the West which influences the artists, particularly in terms of their technique. Oil painting in particular is increasingly used.

To produce a Japanese print, 3 people must work: a designer, an engraver and a printer. If the work of the engraver and the printer is essential, it is the name of the designer that history remembers, but also often that of the publisher who ordered the print. The process of creating a Japanese print is then done in 4 stages: the drawing, the carving of the wooden blocks, the printing and then the distribution by the publisher. Depending on the era, some artists send a simple black line drawing and give the color indications to the printer, others paint watercolors directly and then entrust the final drawing to the printer.

Our selection of Japanese prints in art edition

L'Japanese printbrings together big names that we have of course carefully selected according to our discoveries. Find delicate representations of nature through the artist's woodcutsOhara Koson. Also discover great masterpieces, such as the prints taken from the book A World of Things, illustrated byKamisaka Sekka. We have of course chosen prints from the Meiji era: the artistKono Bayin particular, was active during this period, he delivered sublime scenes of nature and landscapes in which we invite you to immerse yourself. This era of openness to the West is also embodied by artists such as Watanabei Seitei with colors and nuances directly inspired by his trip to Paris. If nature is omnipresent, Japanese prints also give pride of place to the arts such as theater: as evidenced by Kunichika's drawings which represent Kabuki actors in their traditional costumes.

All the Japanese prints that we invite you to discover are art edition posters printed on 220g white laid paper. They are offered in standard framing formats.