What is Ukiyo-e – Artists, Characteristics & Best Examples

Ukiyo-e Artworks

The meaning of ukiyo-e 

Ukiyo-e changed the style – and production process – of Japanese art when it was popularized in the 17th century. Here’s quick video on the major points of ukiyo-e from Jackson Kliewer:

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the major conceptual aspects of the term, let’s formally define ukiyo-e. For more, check out our index of art styles covering more specific and noteworthy movements.

Ukiyo-e History Explained

Breaking down the history of ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e rose to prominence in the 17th century for a lot of reasons; here are some of the most prominent: the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate, the development of urban centers, the “walling off” of pleasure centers in cities, and the mass-distribution of woodprints.

Sound confusing? It’s a lot – let’s break down those points in further detail.

THE UNIFICATION OF JAPAN UNDER THE TOKUGAWA SHOGUNATE

From 1467-1573, Japan was stuck in a cycle of civil war. This period of Japanese history is known as the Sengoku period – and it was essentially a mess; lots of battles, not a lot of art.

In 1573, Oda Nobunaga, a Daimyo (feudal lord) from the Oda Clan, launched a campaign to unite Japan under a single banner. Nobunaga was incredibly successful, but he died before the nation’s unification was complete.

His ally Tokugawa Ieyasu completed the unification by leading the feudal forces from the East over Ishida Mitsunari’s forces from the West in the Battle of Sekigahara.

This video from “Kings and Generals” breaks down the Battle of Sekigahara and why it was so important.

Why was the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate important for ukiyo-e? Well, it gave Japan the chance to focus on art rather than war. It also helped to transform the nation’s infrastructure from a feudal to a merchant system.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN CENTERS

After Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan under the Shogunate government, he moved the country’s capital to Edo (modern day Tokyo). Edo served as a symbol for the rapid urbanization of Japan.

For more on Edo (and its unique magnificence), check out this short video from Slice.

Edo was founded on the ecological principles of Japanese culture: observation, integration, and cultivation of flora and fauna. It was a beautiful metropolis; rich with animals and gardens. But it was also a breeding ground for the arts.

So: why was the development of urban centers important for ukiyo-e? Because it set up a place for ukiyo-e to be produced and distributed. 

THE WALLING OFF OF PLEASURE CENTERS

Sex was an important aspect of Japanese life during the Edo period. In urban centers such as Edo, there were two major types of entertainment workers: prostitutes and geisha; there were differences between the classes of prostitutes and geisha.

But for the sake of the focus of this article, we’ll stick to those categories.

This next video from Asia Society looks at how the world of Edo was designed for pleasure, and how it was communicated in ukiyo-e.

It can be difficult to comprehend the tranquility of the pleasure quarters through a contemporary lens – but it was certainly there. Pleasure quarters were about more than sex – they were about sensuality, shared experiences, and the burgeoning of new artistic forms: in theater (kabuki), in poetry (haikai), painting and wood-carving (ukiyo-e). 

So: why was the walling off of pleasure centers important for ukiyo-e? Because it served as the place of inspiration for many ukiyo-e artists.

MASS DISTRIBUTION OF WOODBLOCK PRINTS

The mass distribution capability of woodblock prints was perhaps the most notable catalyst for the explosion of ukiyo-e. Woodblock prints allowed ukiyo e artists to circulate their creations without needing to start from scratch each time. They simply needed to apply the print to the woodblock and add paint. 

If you’re interested in the woodblock printmaking process, check out the video from Art Gallery NSW below.

So: why was the mass distribution of woodblock prints important for ukiyo-e? Because it meant ukiyo-e art was easier to produce, which lowered the purchase cost, which meant more people could afford it; resulting in an explosion of art through urban centers.

Ukiyo-e Paintings and Prints

Exploring famous ukiyo-e prints 

Here are a few of the most famous ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period.

THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA

Hokusai is regarded as a master of ukiyo-e art – and his series 36 Views of Mount Fuji is considered essential study material for students of the craft.

ŌTANI ONIJI III as YAKKO EDOBEI

Tōshūsai Sharaku drew a wide array of actors from Kabuki theater, but perhaps none were as iconic as Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei in The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife.

Kabuki actors were celebrities of their era – which made them perfect subjects for ukiyo-e art.

TWO BEAUTIES WITH BAMBOO 

Utamaro produced a lot of ukiyo-e woodprints that depicted female subjects; most were popular in Japan, some were popular in Europe too.

Ukiyo-e Landscape Art

Analyzing the legacy of ukiyo-e

The legacy of ukiyo-e lives on in manga, anime, painting styles, and woodblock printmaking. Art historians credit ukiyo-e as an integral part of Eastern art and culture. For more on the philosophy of aesthetics in Eastern culture, check out this video from Michael Saba.