United Through Arts celebrates the Art of Japan.

Ukiyo-e (Woodblock Printing)

Ukiyo-e translates to English as “pictures of the floating world”. Wood block printing was a popular art form during the Tokugawa period (c. 1603–1867) and was used for mass production, so it was accessible to the working and lower class populations. The artist would first draw an image, then it would be carved out of wood, painted, then finally printed onto a scroll or paper, usually with one person performing each different step in a team of four. The prints often depicted different aspects of Japanese life and culture including portraits of famous courtesans or actors, birds and flowers, and landscapes. 

References:
https://www.britannica.com/art/ukiyo-e 
https://www.theartstory.org/movement/ukiyo-e-japanese-woodblock-prints/history-and-concepts/
Images:
Under the Wave off Kanagawa (also known as The Great Wave)
Artist: Katsushika Hokusai

kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei in the Play The Colored Reins of a Loving Wife
Artist: Tōshūsai Sharaku
​