Japanese Art Prints

The samurai Watanabe no Tsuna (953–1025) was one of the four chief retainers of Minamoto no Yorimitsu. He is one of the earliest samurai to be fame...

The artwork captures a moment in Japan's history when global influences began to merge with local traditions, resulting in a unique hybrid cultural...

Titled “Behaviour of a Maid of the Tenpo Era”. A maid in the service of a samurai family (”okosho”), the young woman would have undertaken this rol...

The beauty in the print is a geisha from the Kansei era (1789-1801) who can be seen with a look of contentment. The caption reads “shidaranasaso” w...

A pattern from a vintage Michiyuki coat, the nandina is depicted. The plant is also known as the “heavenly bamboo” or the “sacred bamboo” in Japan ...

From the maple representing elegance and grace, the peony representing bravery and good fortune, the chrysanthemum and plum blossoms for longevity ...

This design is filled with auspicious symbols, with the iris symbolising purification and protection, the peony representing bravery and good fortu...

Portrait of the male actor, Matsumoto Yonesaburo, playing the role of an “oiran” high-ranking courtesan from the play "Katakiuchi Noriyaibanashi". ...

The design comes from a kimono textile used for formal occasions. Using the yuzen technique, a resist dyeing technique originating from the 17th ce...

The crane is revered as a national treasure in Japan, and has long been seen as a symbol of longevity and good fortune, as it was thought to live f...

Flowers symbolising prosperity, longevity and good fortune are shown in this kimono, cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, peonies, irises, among others...

Traditionally the evergreen pine is regarded as a symbol of good fortune, longevity and steadfastness. The regal black was used by the samurai clas...

From the play Chushingura, a tale that relates to the historical incident that involved 47 ronin to avenge the death of their master.

Ichikawa Sadanji playing the role of Sato Tadanobu who was a samurai, and also a follower of warlord Minamoto no Yoshitsune. According to the Genpe...

Kabuki Actor Sawamura Tossho II playing the role of Yume no Ichibei. “Irezumi” is the Japanese word for tattoo. Traditionally, by hand, the tattoo ...

From the series Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies, one of Kunichika's most recognised works, where he portrays beauties in woodblock prints with...

From a series of five prints titled Assortment of Modern Five Beauties by woodblock print artist Kunichika. The kimono worn by the courtesan featur...

From the series Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies which is one of Kunichika's most recognised works where he portrays beauties in woodblock prin...

The actor, playing the role of Inuzuka Shino is portrayed in a fight with Kenpachi on the rooftop of the Horyukaku pavilion. From the series, Parod...

Tokubie (1612-1692) was an adventurer that travelled around Southeast Asia. After his death, he became the subject of a kabuki play as a master of ...

From the series Parody of Day and Night in Twenty Four Hours by artist Kunichika is regarded as one of his finest series depicting beauties in vari...

Artist Kunichika (1835-1900) depicts the actor playing the role of Hanaosho Shinkichi from the play Suikoden, with the dramatic backdrop of a water...

From the series Thirty-six Restaurants of Tokyo, the artist Kunichika (1835-1900) depicts popular geisha with a square inset showing the eatery - i...

A beauty is shown before a screen. On her kimono the seven Japanese gods of fortune (shichifukujin) are shown. They provide her with protection tha...

Cats are a recurring motif in the works of Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889) This is part of his work from his study of cats. Two cats sleep whilst a thi...

One of the main characters of the epic tale of the 47 Ronin, Horibe Yasubei was revered for his skill and ability with the sword and long spear. By...

Two warriors from the epic story of the 47 Ronin are shown during the climax of their encounter. The ronin Muramatsu Sandayu is shown very explicti...

Cats are a recurring motif in the works of Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889). This is part of his publication Kyosai Gadan (Kyosai’s Account of Illustrat...

According to the Japanese folk belief the crow was thought to be a messenger of the gods. It is also associated with the profundity of thought and ...

Based in Nara, the lake has a circumference of 360 metres. The beauty of the moon reflecting on the water surface of Sarusawa Lake is widely apprec...

The painting by artist Uemura Shoen shows a young woman leaning at the balcony. The piece was done during World War II perhaps capturing his though...

Cats are a recurring motif in the works of Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889), sometimes depicted in a playful and funny manner. In this work a cat is sho...

Ducks symbolise protection, adaptability, emotional strength and the gift of intuition. They represent the importance of living in the present mome...

Moon viewing is one of the most celebrated events during autumn in Japan. The moon is said to embody all the positive aspects against the dark back...

The blooming of cherry blossoms is enjoyed by many in Japan, but only for a short period every year, reminding us to fully enjoy every moment. The ...

Known as the Three Friends of Winter, the evergreen pine tree, the persevering plum, and the upright bamboo are considered auspicious symbols of re...