Vintage Japanese Ukiyo-e Art Cushion

Shakuyaku kana ari - Katsushika, Hokusai, 1760-1849, artist Ukiyo-e, meaning "pictures of the floating world" in Japanese, is a captivating and influential art form that emerged during the Edo period (17th to 19th century). It embodies the essence of Japanese culture, offering a window into the vibrant and transient world of pleasure, entertainment, and urban life. Ukiyo-e artists skilfully depicted scenes from the everyday existence of the common people, such as bustling city streets, lively theatres, famous landscapes, and charming courtesans. Through meticulous woodblock printing techniques, these prints showcased a harmonious blend of bold colours, intricate details, and captivating compositions. Ukiyo-e art not only served as a form of visual entertainment but also as a means of documenting history, expressing social commentary, and preserving the spirit of a rapidly changing society. Its profound influence on Western art movements, such as Impressionism, demonstrates the enduring legacy and significance of ukiyo-e in the art world.