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Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints

Pictures of the Floating World: An Introduction to Japanese Prints

Abbeville Press

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During the Edo period in Japan, a type of woodblock prints called ukiyo-e (or "pictures of the Floating World") were used to depict the leisurely lifestyle of the wealthy urban class, as well as other various subjects. These exquisite prints were carefully crafted through a detailed process, where skilled carvers transformed the artist's original drawing into multiple blocks for different colors.

This informative volume, written by Sarah E. Thompson, who serves as curator of Japanese art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, offers a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural and artistic evolution of ukiyo-e. The book features 120 exceptional prints from the museum's impressive collection, created by renowned masters such as Utamaro, Hokusai, and Hiroshige. Each genre is examined in detail, including beauty and fashion, kabuki theater, landscape, nature, history and literature, and fantasy.

Experience Japanese art like never before with Pictures of the Floating World. This exquisite book features a traditional stab binding and comes with three stunning prints, perfect for framing. A must-have for any art enthusiast.

  • A beautifully illustrated introduction to Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e)
  • Japanese-style stab binding
  • Slipcase with three frameable prints included
  • Product Type: Book, Stab binding, with slipcase
  • 176 pages, with 120 illustrations
  • Published in 2022
  • Shipping Dimensions: 9.4 × 7.3 × 1.2 inches  (23.9 × 18.5 × 3.0 cm)
  • Shipping Weight: 1.9 lb (30.4 oz; 862 g)
  • SKU010011409 | 9780789214393

In these collections:

All Products | Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month | Books & Media | Eastern Cultures | Gifts Under $50 |
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About the Author

Sarah E. Thompson

Sarah E. Thompson is a curator of Japanese art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and creator of the MFA's digital catalog of over fifty thousand prints. She has curated numerous exhibitions at the MFA and elsewhere, including Tattoos in Japanese Prints. Her most recent books include Genji: The Prince and the Parodies and Hokusai's Landscapes: The Complete Series.

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