Japanese Art Prints

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...

The world’s first full-length novel is said to be the Tale of Genji written by the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu around 1000 A.D, who served...

Print from the series “Women of the Seven Houses” by Kikukawa Eizan (1787–1867) depicting the courtesan Ichikawa from the Matsubaya pleasure house....

The book “Mirror of Beautiful Women of the Pleasure Quarters” depicts the daytime activities of the courtesans such as reading, arranging flowers, ...

In the series “Beauties of the Yoshiwara as Six Floral Immortals”, the artist Chôbunsai Eishi compares each courtesan to a beautiful flower.

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...

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...

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...

Puppies are commonly associated to happiness, friendship, contentment and loyalty. Woodblock print by Kōno Bairei (1844-1895).

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

Books in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1867) were almost exclusively produced by woodblock printing, and printed on Japanese paper and side‐sti...

If a customer wished to see one of the high class “oiran” courtesans, they would first have to go via the “chaya” (tea house) who would act as medi...

Japanese brush painting from the Edo period attributed to Soga Nichokuan. Dragons first appear in Japanese literature dating as far back to 680 AD....

The goose never leaves one of its own kind behind. This auspicious animal is related to the virtue of cooperation, teamwork, and also the ability t...

These totem birds symbolise the arrival of a brighter future, whilst also representing love, faith, hope and loyalty. Image from a woodblock print ...

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

The waxwing totem is believed to teach selflessness whilst encouraging us to give to others for their benefit, without calculating. The image is of...

The blooming of cherry blossoms, is a symbol of purity as well as a reminder to fully enjoy and cherish each moment. Pattern from an antique Japane...

Leaves depict hope, renewal, and revival, and are symbolic of growth. Pattern from an antique Japanese book "Collection of Designs of the Capital" ...

Leaves depict hope, renewal, and revival, and are symbolic of growth. Pattern from an antique Japanese book "Collection of Designs of the Capital" ...

The circle represents the universe and the infinite nature of energy. As a basic symbol of protection, it is a symbol of inclusion and wholeness. P...

The circle represents the universe and the infinite nature of energy. As a basic symbol of protection, it is a symbol of inclusion and wholeness. P...

The blooming of cherry blossoms, is a symbol of purity. Their spectacular bloom is enjoyed by many, but for a short period of time every year, remi...

The gladiolus flowers are sometimes referred to as sword flowers or sword lilies due to the sword-like shape of both the foliage and the flower spi...

Each protagonist of the Suikoden, the Japanese translation of a 14th century Chinese novel, can be identified by a specific tattoo, weapon or piece...

Water is believed to incarnate the purity and the pliant simplicity of life. Design by the Japanese artist Kodo in 1935.

Freesia blooms typically mean innocence, thoughtfulness, trust, sweetness, but also often used as a message of thank you.

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

For every 10,000 three-leaf clovers, you may find a four-leaf one. The first known literary reference to clovers and luck dates back to 1620: “If a...

The iris is associated with faith, hope, valour and wisdom, believed in Japan to be a symbol that purifies evil energies whilst offering protection...

The goose never leaves one of its own kind behind. This auspicious animal is related to the virtue of cooperation and teamwork. From a woodblock pr...

Stone lanterns are traditionally votive lights, with the light in the lamp representing the sacred teachings to help overcome the darkness of ignor...

The way cats wash their faces licking their paws and wiping their face - it is as if they are inviting good luck beckoning with their paw. Cats wit...

The majestic lily has long held an important role in many cultures and for many centuries. The flower has been revered as a symbol of purity, virtu...