Japanese Art Prints

Expressive of enduring happiness, the plum blossom has traditionally been used as a decorative symbol of congratulatory occasions and good luck, re...

The iris is associated with faith, hope, valour, and wisdom. It is a flower that has captivated the hearts of the Japanese since ancient times, bel...

Dating c.1788, the image elegantly depicts two lovers. The attention is brought to the nape of the beauty's neck, which was, traditionally in Japan...

The Japanese word for fox is "kitsune". A regular subject in Japanese folklore, the fox is portrayed with intelligence and paranormal abilities. Ca...

Image from the Kyosai Sketchbook published in 1881. The skeleton features as a regular subject in Kyosai's works. Although the skeletons are illust...

Rabbits are associated to cleverness and self-devotion. Woodblock print by Kōno Bairei (1844-1895).

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

A waterfall in Mino province by Hokusai. The drops of water which make up a waterfall are renewed each second, yet persist as an entity. It reminds...

Bridges are viewed as the way to reach a destination, and so they can symbolise a means to overcome obstacles, whilst also representing progress, c...

Kinryu-zan Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant, is an ancient temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo. The first temple was b...

Symbolising invincibility, power and might, the tiger is a highly potent symbol used across many cultures in Asia. Traditionally regarded in Japan ...

A torii structure depicted is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically m...

While scholars debate the origin of the sacred mountain’s name “fuji”, one of the most commonly accepted is that the name sounds similar to “everla...

White is the colour of purity, innocence, wholeness and completion. In this image, these attributes are combined with the peacock - a symbol of bea...

The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national treasure. When the tide is low, the “Torii” shrine is approachable by f...

Both the Japanese and Chinese regard the evergreen pine as a symbol of longevity, good fortune and steadfastness. Hiroshige is considered to be one...

A female portrait - arranging hair in front of the mirror, depicted from the back. This unusual perspective creates a voyeuristic intimacy, both di...

The origin of the sacred mountain’s name “fuji" is considered that the name sounds similar to “everlasting life.” Hiroshige is one of the greatest ...

The iris and its beauty have captivated the hearts of the Japanese since ancient times. Most commonly, it is believed the iris has the ability to p...

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...

Commonly the deer represents the power to deal with challenges and the ability to be swift and vigilant, calling for people to trust their instinct...

The stone circle in Wiltshire, England, is a UNESCO world heritage site, built over 5000 years ago and took 1000 years to build. The artist Urushib...

The full moon, round and illuminated, symbolises completion, a sense of pure clarity, and the realisation of your desires. It reminds us to celebra...

Expressive of enduring happiness, the plum blossom has traditionally been used as a decorative symbol of congratulatory occasions and good luck, re...

Expressive of enduring happiness, the plum blossom has traditionally been used as a decorative symbol of congratulatory occasions and good luck, re...

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

Made of paper, and often used in festivals in the Far East, the lantern is symbolic of light, warmth, and wishes for a bright future. The origins o...

In Asia and the Far East, the umbrella is a symbol of importance and status. It is also associated with the ability to shield oneself from the elem...

Koinobori, meaning ‘carp streamer’, are carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate the Children’s Day. The artist Hiroshige is...

The plum blossom expresses enduring happiness. Used as a congratulatory symbol of good luck, it represents strength, resilience, beauty and longevity.

Chikanobu (1838-1912) is recognised as one of the greatest prolific masters of beauty prints. His works capture the transition from the age of trad...

Chinese people believe a full moon is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion. In Japan, a country where many symbolisms come from China,...

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

The artist Koson Ohara was a Japanese painter and printmaker in the late 19th and early 20th century. With some 500 works to his name, he was the m...

A contemporary Sherlock Holmes adaptation of a Japanese woodblock print by Koson (1877-1945). Japanese folklore portrays the fox with intelligence ...