25 Greetings cards and envelopes in a presentation gift box.
The art of ukiyo-e (the floating world) originated in the city of Edo (1603–1867, now Tokyo), when the political and military power of Japan was in the hands of the shoguns and the country had very little contact with the West.
This fine selection of cards includes masterpieces from Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro amongst several others. The paintings, scrolls and prints featured here have been chosen to reflect the six great themes of the floating world – theatre, tradition, nature, landscape, town life and feminine beauty – developed by ukiyoe artists to satisfy the demands and tastes of their customers.
These remarkable images illustrate the tastes, habits and passions of the people of Edo: fashionable scenes set in the sleepless city, festive excursions and firework displays, posters promoting kabuki actors and performances. Courtesans and geisha were also an important part of life and art in Edo and ukiyo-e artists interpreted them as the ultimate symbol of female beauty and elegance. This elegantly packaged product provides a selection of pictures from the very best artists of the ukiyo-e school and this beautiful collection will make an original and delightful gift at any time of year.
- 25 greeting cards with envelopes featuring a selection of images from Japanese ukiyo-e prints
- Includes masterpieces by such artists as Hokusai, Hiroshige and Utamaro
- Presented in a beautifully bound Japanese-style box with traditional fastening
- Box measures 225×125 mm, 8 7/8×4 7/8 in
Gian Carlo Calza is Professor of East Asian Art History and Director of the International Hokusai Research Centre at the University of Venice. A distinguished authority on Japanese art, he has published many books and articles on Ukiyo-e art and artists, including Phaidon's 2003 monograph on Hokusai. Author's Residence: Milan, Italy.