Ukiyo-e

The art of ukiyo-e (the floating world) originated in the city of Edo (1603–1867, now Tokyo), when the political and military power of Japan was in the hands of the shoguns. Comprising six essays, six plate sections and over 600 illustrations this beautiful book provides a perfect introduction to the art of this period. The paintings, scrolls and prints reproduced here demonstrate not only the new urban pleasures of the theatre, restaurants, teahouses and geisha, but also Japan’s love of nature and tradition. Professor Calza’s accessible style provides a fascinating yet scholarly study of such masters as Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro.
table of contents Chronology Essay Section: ‘Visions of the Floating World’ by Gian Carlo Calza, ‘Theatrical Prints’ by Junko Muto, ‘Beauty and the Actor’ by Kobayashi Tadashi, ‘Poetic Images: Literary Dimensions of Early Ukiyo-e’ by John Carpenter, ‘Shunga: Erotic Art in the Edo Period’ by Timon Screech, ‘Birth and Development’ by Naito Masato, ‘Three Types of Ukiyo-e Printing’ by Asano Shugo Plate section: Introduction to the Floating World, I. Scenes of Passion: The Kabuki Theatre, II. Past and Present: The Tradition, III. The Relationship with Nature, IV. Landscapes, V. Town Life, VI. Beautiful Women in the Floating World List of Works Glossary Artist Biographies Bibliography