浮世絵

Ukiyo-e (usually written 浮世絵, meaning "pictures of the floating world", but also 憂き世絵, "pictures of the sad world") are paintings developed in the Edo period (1603–1867), many of them becoming widespread as woodblock prints in Japan in the 18th and 19th centuries (late Edo period). Ukiyo-e feature motifs of the theater and pleasure quarters, but may also cover history or mythology.

Ukiyo-e[edit]

Japanese Ukiyo-E artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849 generally famous for his 36 Views of Mount Fuji)
Ōtani Oniji III as Edobee in the May 1794 production of the kabuki play Koi Nyōbo Somewake Tazuna at Edo Kawarasaki-za theater, by Tōshūsai Sharaku
An ukiyo-e of Commodore Matthew Perry (center) and his officers with his message to the nation during the ceremony for signing the Shimoda Treaty.