Japanese woodcutting is a technique that involves an image which is carved into a surface of a block of wood, leaving the printing parts while the non-printing parts are removed. The block is cut along the grain of the wood. In Europe, called woodcut, the beechwood was commonly used and in Japan, Ukiyo-e, cherry wood was used.
The block of wood is covered with ink using an ink covered roller. To get the multiple colour effect; a different block is used utilizing the same technique.
The style of woodcutting did not originate from Japan as many would believe; woodcutting came from China as a method of printing on textiles and later paper. In Japan, Ukiyo-e, was an affordable art due to the fact that they could be mass-produced. This in turn lead many to purchase art who where not wealthy to buy actual paintings.
Below is a collection of creative and inspiring Ukiyo-e art.
Kachidoki Bridge
Early Morning In Ginza
Evening Snow at Kanbara, Ando Hiroshige
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Yang Hsiang (Yoko) protecting his father from the tiger
YOSHITOSHI, Tsukioka
(A blind priest plays the lute before Uesugi Kenshin) Tanjo Daihitsu, Uesugi Keshin
Utagawa Yoshitora
Battle Between the Takeda and Uesugi Clans
Nobukazu
Man In Lightening
Chushingura
Utagawa Yoshiiku - Beauties
Mountain Pilgrimage
Eishi
Three oiran on parade
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Okumura Masanobu
Bairei
