This is Ukiyo-e for a new era.
The image on the left is a reproduction of the Ukiyo-e style of the time using XART. The illustration on the right is by fuzichoco sensei.
At the crossroads of history and modern beauty, Contemporary UKIYO-E breathes new life into the fascinating works of popular illustrators as modern ukiyo-e. The delicate and passionate contemporary illustrations are fused with the traditional material of Echizen washi paper, bringing out even more depth and uniqueness. This is not just a work of art, but a symbol of the inheritance and development of aesthetic values from the mid-Edo period to the present day. Printed on handmade Echizen washi paper with its unique expressiveness, this outstanding work of art transcends time and allows you to experience both ancient Japanese beauty and modern sensibilities at the same time.
We have launched a project to create modern Ukiyo-e using state-of-the-art RGB inkjet printing and Echizen washi paper, which has a history of 1500 years. Many people may think of woodblock prints when they hear the word Ukiyo-e in general, but the fact that it is a woodblock print is not important in the definition of Ukiyo-e.
If we consider the origin of the word ukiyo-e, "ukiyo" originally meant "sad world," a world of many difficulties and sorrows. However, over time, the meaning changed to "if we're going to live in this harsh world anyway, let's live happily now." From this idea, art that beautifully depicts people's daily lives, landscapes, geishas, kabuki actors, etc. came to be called ukiyo-e. It is no exaggeration to say that beautiful girl illustrations of anime and social game characters are the very definition of modern ukiyo-e.
Our project combines the traditional subject matter of Ukiyo-e with modern printing techniques. Through our work, we hope to spread and share the beauty and charm of Ukiyo-e with the world in a new way. Our goal is to respectfully reinterpret the beautiful tradition of Ukiyo-e using modern perspectives and techniques, and to convey its charm to a new generation.
Intense RGB color
In traditional ukiyo-e, the vivid color of deep blue (indigo blue) was particularly important in expressing its beauty. This special blue color was introduced from Germany in the early 18th century and was enthusiastically adopted by ukiyo-e artists Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. Therefore, this color, also known as "Hokusai blue" and "Hiroshige blue," contributed greatly to the development of ukiyo-e.
Contemporary UKIYO-E inherits this historical commitment to color, but uses RGB inkjet printing technology, especially blue coloring, to perfectly reproduce the vivid colors and details of modern bishoujo illustrations. This printing method is usually used for color proofs (proofing work) for commercial printing that is printed with CMYK, and has the ability to express the diverse colors and intricate details of RGB in high definition, making it ideal for modern bishoujo art. The bishoujo illustrations projected on Echizen washi paper fascinate the viewer, giving a sense of the fusion of tradition and innovation.
Woodblock prints are valued for their rarity, but UKIYO-E is just as valuable due to its use of RGB inkjet printing technology, the artist's autograph, and the number of editions (number of works produced). By combining the deep history and unique beauty of Echizen washi paper with the latest printing technology, you can enjoy the new appeal of modern ukiyo-e.
Through Contemporary UKIYO-E, experience new artistic horizons where the classic and the modern intersect.
Handmade Echizen washi paper
Echizen washi paper, used in ukiyo-e, has a long history of about 1500 years and is highly regarded around the world for its quality and beauty. This washi paper is carefully crafted one by one by skilled craftsmen, giving it a unique texture and durability. Therefore, it is used for various purposes, such as by the Imperial family, fine arts, and traditional Japanese crafts.
Modern ukiyo-e prints use Japanese paper with fluffy edges called deckle. Contemporary UKIYO-E uses the latest RGB inkjet printing technology. Printing on deckle Echizen washi paper is extremely difficult, but our specialized technology has enabled us to reproduce vivid, deep colors on Echizen washi paper.
Author authentication
In modern ukiyo-e, every print includes the artist's own handwritten signature. Also, handmade Echizen washi paper has a distinctive soft edge (deckle edge) and each piece has its own unique shape. The shape of this washi paper and the artist's signature create a unique work.
Furthermore, inkjet printing on Echizen washi paper is difficult for mass printing because the printhead nozzles are easily clogged due to paper dust, which is unique to washi paper. It is difficult to print many at once like woodblock prints, and production volume is limited by the number of editions.
Handmade Echizen washi paper A3+
Contemporary UKIYO-E
50,000 yen (tax included )
High-precision aluminum frame exclusively for UKIYO-E
50,000 yen (tax included)
Notes when ordering UKIYO-E
Each handmade washi paper has a slightly different shape. Even if you need to exchange a piece of paper, we cannot provide you with paper of the exact same shape.
Although printing is done with the utmost care, because deckle (the soft edges of the paper) is left behind the print is not smooth overall, and slight smudging from the head is unavoidable. Slight stains on the edges caused by smudging from the head are not covered by the warranty for this product. Black spots and stains on the printed illustration are covered by the warranty as before.
