Red Fuji, by Hokusai
Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Hiroshige
Ukiyo-e “Pictures of the Floating World”
What made woodblock prints so popular in early modern Japan? Mass production made them affordable They could be produced quickly More people living in cities with money to spend on prints Topics that appealed to average people Image of the kabuki theatre
Edo Japan’s 4-class System Samurai - rulers, bureaucrats, officials Peasants - the largest segment of the population, involved in rural agriculture Artisan - usually urban, they made and built things Merchants - also usually urban, they sold and distributed things
Black ink and hand-colored versions of prints by Moronobu (late 17th c
Harunobu (mid-18th c.)
Utamaro
Sharaku
Hiroshige Van Gogh
Manet Hiroshige Hokusai Monet