The Library of Congress Published 2,500 Ancient Japanese Fine Prints
Among them, the works by the famous Katsushika Hokusai.
The Library of Congress published 2,500 Japanese fine prints from the Edo period. Prints in the ukiyo-e style are the most common type of woodcuts in 17th century Japan. They were sold at accessible prices and were meant for citizens who could not afford paintings.
Ukiyo-e mostly describe situations from everyday life. The prints depict geishas, Sumo wrestlers, and popular Kabuki actors. By the end of Edo period landscape prints also became popular. Among the works published on the Library’s website there are many prints by Katsushika Hokusai — a very famous Japanese illustrator of that time.
