Art Prints

One of the 108 heroes of the illustrated novel Suikoden which is said to have sparked the rise in popularity of tattoos in Japan during the 18th an...

The goldfish has also come to symbolise wealth in Chinese culture stemming from the fact that the Chinese word for fish (yú) is pronounced very sim...

Koho’s works are fine representations of the remarkable fusion of western influenced style worked into the traditional medium of Japanese woodblock...

Water symbolises the flow of life, as well as being a fundamental element and building block of life. In Japan, water incarnates purity and revered...

Hiroshige is considered to be one of the greatest 19th century Japanese print artists. In 1856, Hiroshige “retired from the world”, and became a Bu...

Hiroshige is considered to be one of the greatest 19th century Japanese print artists. In 1856, Hiroshige “retired from the world”, and became a Bu...

King William IV (1765–37) established the current Royal Library which has continued to expand its collection. It was reorganised in 1860, since whi...

The greatest number of De Morgan’s works are based on flowers, usually in combination with leaves. Here some yellow daisies are used - a flower sym...

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

Rabbits can be found living on every continent of the world (except Antarctica) and so they appear in various tales, mythologies and folklore of nu...

Image of a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyosai. He published the magazine Eshinbun Nipponchi in 1874, which only lasted three is...

The warbling white-eye is a native species in Japan and often depicted in Japanese art. The persimmon fruit symbolises success, whilst also conveyi...

From an envelope produced by Sakuraiya (est. 1841). The company opened their store in Shinkyogoku (Kyoto) in 1895, and closed their operations in 2...

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...

A contemporary orange adaptation of a Japanese woodblock print dating 1814. The Japanese word for frog is “kaeru”, which can also mean “to return”,...

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 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, one of Kunichika's most recognised works, where he portrays beauties in woodblock prints with...

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