Ukiyo-e: Overview Flashcards
What does ‘Ukiyo-e’ translate to in English?
Pictures of the floating world
What period did Ukiyo-e art flourish in?
Edo period (1603–1868)
What are the primary subject matters of Ukiyo-e?
Beauty (Bijin-ga), Kabuki Actors (Yakusha-e), Landscapes (Fūkei-ga), Mythology and Folklore, Erotica (Shunga), and Everyday Life (Fūzoku-ga)
What is Bijin-ga in Ukiyo-e?
Portraits of beautiful women, often courtesans or geishas
What is Yakusha-e in Ukiyo-e?
Dynamic images of kabuki performers in dramatic poses
What is Fūkei-ga in Ukiyo-e?
Scenic views, often with seasonal or atmospheric details
What is Shunga in Ukiyo-e?
Explicit images, often exploring themes of love and intimacy
What does Fūzoku-ga depict?
Scenes of urban life, festivals, and leisure activities
What is the primary technique used in Ukiyo-e?
Woodblock printing
What is Nishiki-e in Ukiyo-e?
Polychrome printing allowing for multi-colored prints
What is Bokashi in Ukiyo-e?
A shading technique that adds depth and atmosphere
What materials are commonly used in Ukiyo-e?
High-quality mulberry paper (washi), pigments, and cherrywood blocks
What kind of perspective does Ukiyo-e typically use?
Flat perspective with a two-dimensional aesthetic
What pigments were used in Ukiyo-e?
Natural dyes and pigments, including vibrant reds, blues, and greens
What does ‘asymmetrical composition’ refer to in Ukiyo-e?
Balanced placement of subjects with empty space
What is the significance of urban pleasures in Ukiyo-e?
They reflect Edo-period urban life, entertainment districts, and natural beauty
Who was Suzuki Harunobu?
An artist who expanded subject matter to include daily life and seasonal themes
Who were Hokusai and Hiroshige?
Artists who elevated landscape prints with iconic works like ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’
What role did Utagawa Kuniyoshi play in Ukiyo-e’s evolution?
He introduced Western techniques like perspective and shading into Ukiyo-e
How did the Meiji period influence Ukiyo-e?
Decline due to photography and Western art; adaptation to Western techniques and markets
What is the modern significance of Ukiyo-e?
It experienced a renaissance through global recognition and influence on pop culture, manga, and fashion
How has Ukiyo-e been integrated with digital media?
Modern recreations using digital tools, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary themes
What are Nishiki-e prints known for?
Their use of multiple blocks to create full-color designs
How does Ukiyo-e address modern issues?
Themes evolve to address topics like environmentalism and social change
What is the future potential of Ukiyo-e?
Integration with digital art, global influence, sustainability, and contemporary adaptations like NFTs
What is Bokashi and its purpose in Ukiyo-e prints?
A shading technique that adds depth and atmosphere to the artwork
