What does ukiyo-e mean in Japanese?

pictures of the floating world
ukiyo-e, (Japanese: “pictures of the floating world”) one of the most important genres of art of the Tokugawa period (1603–1867) in Japan.

What are the 3 common subject in ukiyo-e?

Typical subjects were female beauties (“bijin-ga”), kabuki actors (“yakusha-e”), and landscapes. The women depicted were most often courtesans and geisha at leisure, and promoted the entertainments to be found in the pleasure districts.

Why is it called ukiyo-e?

Produced in their many thousands and hugely popular during the Edo period (1615 – 1868), these colourful woodblock prints, known as ukiyo-e, depicted scenes from everyday Japan. Ukiyo-e literally means ‘pictures of the floating world’.

What are ukiyo-e used for?

Ukiyo-e were used to help children with their reading and to learn the names of birds and flowers. After Japan reopened its doors to the world after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, ukiyo-e prints showing the alphabet and basic English vocabulary also made an appearance.

What is the purpose of Shunga?

Shunga had functions beyond its aesthetic appeal. Its primary use would have involved viewing and sharing the paintings or books with close friends or sexual partners. The images were also used to provide sexual education for young couples, to encourage a warrior going into battle and even to protect homes.

What characteristics describe Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints?

Characteristics of Ukiyo-e Appreciated for its bright colour and decorativeness, its images frequently depicted a narrative, and included animals, birds and landscapes, as well as people from the lower social classes, like courtesans, sumo wrestlers and Kibuki actors.

What makes ukiyo-e unique?

It was the collaboration among the merchants, artists, publishers, and townspeople of Edo that gave Ukiyo-e its unique voice. In turn, Ukiyo-e provided these groups with a means of attaining cultural status outside the sanctioned realms of shogunate, temple, and court.

What is shunga Erotic Art?

Shunga, literally “spring pictures”, is an erotic artistic tradition that emerged from early modern Japan, featuring graphic images of sexual activity.