Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Japanese woodblock printing is a traditional technique used to create prints by carving an image onto a wooden block, applying ink to the block, and then pressing it onto paper. It was widely practiced in Japan from the 17th to the 19th century.
Ukiyo-e refers to a genre of Japanese woodblock prints that depict scenes from everyday life, such as landscapes, portraits, and theater performances.
Hokusai: Katsushika Hokusai was a famous Japanese artist known for his series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," which showcased his mastery of woodblock printing.
Block cutter: A block cutter is an artisan who specializes in carving intricate designs on wooden blocks for use in woodblock printing.