An illustrated survey of Japanese prints at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Each colour plate is supported by notes together with standard specifications and provenance. The book also includes introductory chapters on the ukiyo-e genre, and the history and character of the Museum's collection. Ever since Japan opened its doors to the West in the latter half of the nineteenth century, Westerners have been fascinated by the exquisite art forms that flourished during the previous two hundred years of self-imposed isolation. Among the most

Quick introduction, and packed with illustration the Masterpieces of Art focuses on the popular work of Hiroshige and Hokusai whose visions of waves and Mount Fuji have dominated the popular imagination for over 200 years. Woodblock printing is a traditional artistic medium in Japan most renowned for its use in ukiyo-e or 'floating world' prints. Both moving and mesmerising, this medium captures scenes with considerable atmosphere and vibrancy whether it be crashing waves, autumn leaves or serene waterfalls. Beginning with a fresh and thoughtful introduction to Japanese woodblock art, Japanese Woodblocks Masterpieces of Art goes on to showcase key works by artists such as Katsuhika Hokusai and Ando Hiroshige.

Colorists of all ages will appreciate these graceful courtesans, mountainous landscapes, and other images from the woodblock tradition. Thirty meticulous renderings include masterly works by Kunisada, Hiroshige, Utamaro, Eisen, and Toyokuni.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) is considered the foremost Japanese landscape print artist of the 20th century. "Visions of Japan: Kawase Hasui s Masterpieces" brings together in a single volume one hundred of Hasui s most celebrated prints. Fully illustrated, this publication includes annotated descriptions for each work, as well as two essays on Hasui s life and work. Hasui's valuable contribution to the woodblock print medium was acknowledged in 1956, a year before his death, when he was honoured with the distinction of Living National Treasure ."

Japanese woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e, are the most recognizable Japanese art form. Their massive popularity has spread from Japan to be embraced by a worldwide audience. Covering the period from the beginning of the Japanese woodblock print in the 1680s until the year 1900, Japanese Woodblock Prints provides a detailed survey of all the famous ukiyo-e artists, along with over 500 full-color prints. Unlike previous examinations of this art form, Japanese Woodblock Prints includes detailed histories of the publishers of woodblock prints--who were often the driving force determining which prints, and therefore which artists, would make it into mass circulation for a chance at critical and popular success. Invaluable as a guide for ukiyo-e enthusiasts looking for detailed information about their favorite Japanese woodblock print artists and prints, it is also an ideal introduction for newcomers to the world of the woodblock print. This lavishly illustrated book will be a valued addition to the libraries of scholars, as well as the general art enthusiast.

The Japanese woodblock print is a phenomenon with no Western equivalent, one where breathtaking landscapes exist alongside blush-inducing erotica; where demons and otherworldly creatures torment the living; and where sumo wrestlers, kabuki actors, and courtesans are rock stars. This condensed edition lifts the veil on a much-loved but little-...

From the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, Japan was a vital world center for postcard art. Art of the Japanese Postcard presents 300 full-color examples of these cards, culled from the vast Leonard A. Lauder Collection. Authoritative essays by leading scholars of Japanese art and culture, plus a statement by the collector himself, highlight the design, development, and cultural function of these rarely studied, but highly influential and visually exciting, expressions of graphic genius. From the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century, Japan was a vital world centre for postcard art. More than just casual mail pieces, these postcards were often designed by prominent artists and had a visual impact that belied their modest format. Remarkably beautiful examples of graphic design in their own right, they also recorded the shifting definitions of 'East' and 'West' at a time when such European currents as Art Nouveau began to show up in Japanese visual productions. Art of the Japanese Postcard presents 350 full-color examples of these cards, culled from the vast Leonard A. Lauder Collection. printing, but also for the insight they provide into contemporary Japanese artistic practices - insights not relayed in standard histories that focus on painting and sculpture - as well as for the fluid interplay of European and Japanese modes. Authoritative essays by leading scholars of Japanese art and culture, plus a statement by the collector himself, highlight the design, development, and cultural function of these rarely studied, but highly influential and visually exciting, expressions of graphic genius.