Japanese Art Prints

The first time that dragons appeared in Japanese text dates back to 680 AD. Dragons in Asia are regarded as generous, benevolent forces that use t...

The cockatoo is symbolic of self-acceptance and love, as well as healthy communication with those around us. It also represents change, especially ...

The Japanese associate koi carps with perseverance in adversity, strength of purpose and determination to overcome obstacles, thus representing cou...

Part of a triptych image, a giant skeleton spirit known as a gashadokuro looms over the menace warrior Oya no Mitsukuni and his companion. The enti...

A bridge, particularly a bridge over water, represents crossing over from the profane to the sacred. In Zen symbolism, red represents life force, t...

Elegant restaurants (pictured north of the bridge) traditionally co-sponsored the major firework displays at the site, together with the boathouses...

Both the Japanese and Chinese regard the evergreen pine as a symbol of longevity, good fortune and steadfastness. The artist Hiroshige is thought t...

The Japanese word for monkey, “saru”, is a homonym for the Japanese word “expel” (also pronounced saru), meaning “dispel” or “push away”. This has ...

This print belongs to the series Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces. Urami means “see-from-behind”, because visitors could traditionally walk ...

Yugao is a tragic figure from The Tale of Genji, often called the world’s first novel, written in the 11th century by female novelist Murasaki Shik...

Based on an 1899 watercolour painting by artist Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950), this print shows two female figures, the daughters of fellow artist an...

Paper lanterns were introduced to Japan in the 8th century and are considered good luck symbols as well as a symbol of hope. They are often found o...

From a set of four folding screens depicting the Eight Views of Xiao Xiang - a theme developed from Chinese poetry, which became popular in Japanes...

Kingfishers are symbolic of freedom, courage and balance. The iris is associated with faith, hope, valour, and wisdom. It is a flower that has capt...

The maple tree represents elegance and grace, the turning of the colours has made it a popular subject in Japanese art, poetry and literature.

The passing of life and time are shown through the changing of seasons. The two most celebrated are spring and autumn, viewing the cherry blossoms ...

These auspicious plants are known as the Three Friends of Winter. Due to them not withering, when shown together they symbolise resilience, steadfa...

Both the chrysanthemum and wisteria are believed to stand for immortality and longevity. The wisteria also represents balance and calmness whilst t...

The actor is depicted by the artist Kunichika, playing the role of Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa, an 11th century samurai warlord. A hero of the play S...

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

Depicted is the Hell Courtesan, who took on the name after being kidnapped and sold to a brothel. The surrounding skeletons represent her fateful e...

In classical mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow - the link between heaven and earth. She was also regarded as the messenger of the Gods...

The willow tree is a symbol of grace and strength, and the swallow symbolises triumph and success - a very auspicious pairing to be worn.

As with other types of transport, the ferry is symbolic of a journey. Traveling from one side to another, it signifies crossings to reaching goals....

Birds are associated with development, and with their ability to soar across the skies, they symbolise the capacity to embrace infinite possibiliti...

The print depicts a stunning view on the Pine Beach at Miho, with Mount Fuji in the background. Both the pine tree as well as Mount Fuji are regard...

The egret is appreciated as an auspicious symbol in many cultures. In China, the egret symbolises strength, purity, patience and long life. By Japa...

The warbling white-eye, also known as the Japanese white-eye, is a native species in Japan and often depicted in Japanese art. The persimmon fruit ...

The poetess Ono no Komachi is considered one of the best waka poets of the Heian Period (794- 1185). She is also praised for her beauty: today, “ko...

Print from the series “Eight Contemporary Poems of Love” by Utamaro Kitagawa (c.1753-1806). This artist is considered one of the masters of Japanes...

The 'Green Houses', or the pleasure houses, with the notable courtesans, became an integral part of Japanese life in the Edo period. “A Mirror of B...

The 'Green Houses', or the pleasure houses, with the notable courtesans, became an integral part of Japanese life in the Edo period. “A Mirror of B...

It is said that a koi carp swims up rivers and climbs waterfalls. The Japanese associates koi carps with perseverance in adversity, strength of pur...

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

The lotus flower is revered for its ability to rise from the murky waters to bloom into a magnificent flower. This process symbolises enlightenment...

The name nandina (also known as heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo in Japan and China) with sprays of bright red berries and evergreen leaves, is use...