I’ve recently discovered/developed an appreciation for Japanese printmaking. As a westerner with no direct connection to visual arts (I’m a theatre artist/professor, all my work is performance-based) this was frankly a wonderful and surprising discovery. I’ve watched a couple Migazaki films, but I never really connected with anime which is how most westerners seem to connect with Japanese art. And while my knowledge of visual art generally is maybe better than the average person’s, I am in no way an expert. I also possess no skill with painting/drawing—even my handwriting is illegible for most other people. I just really love these works/this style and I’m hoping to learn more. Again, this is a bit of a surprise. Even when I’ve gone to galleries and done the whole cultured-artist thing, I appreciate the works but am rarely moved. But this stuff really resonated with me for some reason. Stumbling upon the Yoshida family’s works kinda opened the door and now… here I am.

Here’s what I’m wondering: are any documentaries or anything out there about Japanese printmaking that folks would recommend to someone like me? I’m reading about it here and there and trying to find out more, but the process is a bit opaque to me. I’d also love to know more about the history, process, etc. Anything that might be a good primer for someone not traditionally connected with these works. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

This year, I’m completely redesigning my apartment in a Japanese style, and I’d love to complement it by displaying several woodblock prints.

I don’t know much about woodblocks yet, but after some research, I’ve really come to appreciate Kuniyoshi’s works, especially those triptych prints where three images are connected. I also really like Yoshitoshi’s prints.

I’m not sure where to buy them, though. So far, I’ve checked Artelino auctions, but there’s nothing available right now—which is fine since I’m not in a hurry. I also looked at eBay and found a few woodblocks there. Is eBay a good place to buy from, or are there better sources for authentic prints?

Specifically, I was looking at an eBay seller named kitanoya-japan—does anyone here have experience buying from them?

Also, I’m specifically looking for original prints, not later reprints. I’m still not entirely familiar with how this works, but I’d be interested in early prints from the original publishers. I just don’t want to spend €500+ on a modern reprint with no real value.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I got six kuchie-e and want to sell in a lot, which site I can contact ?

I don't want try eBay or some auctions, too slow and I have my personal reason. Which site will buy prints in lot ?

Does anyone know in the sub where to buy good quality reproductions of Ukiyo-e and Shin-hanga prints? I love these images but I don't have the budget to spend four figures a pop on wall art. I understand these images will not be the actual woodblock prints.

Related question: Even if there is such a place, is this practice unethical in some way? In other words, are reproductions of this artwork illegitimate and do they somehow harm the market for the genuine prints? I love the art but am not well versed in the marketplace.

I have been interested in woodcuts for some time and would now like to buy some. I live in Europe and don't want to have to deal with customs duties. I recently came across the site nipponprints.com, but I'm not sure if it's a scam. Especially the free worldwide shipping seems suspicious. Have any of you had experience with this site?

What are your recommendations for buying woodblock prints (reproductions) in Europe?

Thank you very much!

I am think to bid this print, but it is matting on a cardboard, then I can not see the back side and more hard to identify it.

Also, will matting reduced it's value and can bid with a lower price ?

Hi all! Anyone have the ability to determine who the artist is of this triptych? I’m assuming they are kabuki characters but I’m not positive.

I know its Suzuki Harunobu’s Poem by Somaru, but what kind of reprint is it? There is something written on left corner. Paper felt pretty much like wax.

Both prints are created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

This one claims it is original, how to identify it is original ? and second one admitted is a reprint from re-carved, but a Showa reprint or Heisei Reprint ? and how to determine it's reprint date ?

https://preview.redd.it/9w26lqb0dgde1.jpg?width=2878&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=79fedad8039ed93e3e29d7858e4e6fd20aa10181

https://preview.redd.it/lq7f2rb0dgde1.jpg?width=2518&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62e88e0251a1f7068fff254029c5c7578e8666e5

I believe this to be a woodblock print by OHARA KOSON - Wild goose taking flight from a pond near snow-covered grasses.

Print itself measures 9 3/4" tall x 6 9/16" wide. Overall paper measures 9 7/8 x 6 3/4 ( Chuban Size ? ).

I know it might be difficult to tell from the photos, but I'm assuming this is a genuine print??

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi. Can you recommend some good books to learn more about woodblock prints, particulary on shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga? Thanks.

Hi. In Japanese sites I've come across some prints described as "colored paper" prints. This is the automatic translation of 色紙, or sometimes 木版画色紙. These prints are generally square and have no margins. They seem to be glued or mounted on top of golden cardboard, as in the image below. What are the differences between these prints and "regular" woodblock prints? Thanks.

You can find one of these prints here https://www.yamada-shoten.com/onlinestore/detail.php?item_id=53347

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https://preview.redd.it/81at4uyhy6de1.jpg?width=810&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6bf9bfa17b7254678070291abdbc94d14401d099

I found this print of Sekino Jun'ichirō sign on border (margin space), I did a lot searches, this print was signed on image area just below seal.

However, Sekino Jun'ichirō signed on different place, some on image, some on boarder on different prints. Most on image below seals, how to identify ? I got no ideas !!!

Excuse my ignorance, I always see The Sokolov Collection on auction's results, from Ukiyo-e to Contemporary woodcut prints.

What is this collection? it looks a huge collections and deluxe brands, anyone know more about it ?

Cxtxwiki, eBay and FB are jokes, forget about these. I heard many negatives about Bohams and Sotherby's, not sure.

Where you tried sold and satisfied ?

Hi. Can anyone give an approximate date for this Tokuriki Tomikichiro print of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in spring. I've tried searching online, but could not find much. Thanks.

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https://preview.redd.it/9sr2q7iuzybe1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb373ccc1b2966b3f78c2e715a1fb862dd155c62