"[An] impressive volume, with a valuable amount of information not otherwise available in one source." --Choice Companion volume to Merritt's Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints. This volume is a reference work that is both comprehensive and rigorously chronological.

A selection of exemplary 20th-century Japanese woodblock prints from the collection of the Carnegie Museum of Art This volume presents more than 1,000 exemplary twentieth-century Japanese woodblock prints, from the collection of Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. Taken together, the collection reflects the stylistic movements, aesthetic directions and historic changes of the past century, with particular emphasis on two significant movements: sosakuhanga (creative prints), represented by in-depth selections by Hiratsuka Un'ichi, Onchi Koshiro and Munakata Shiko; and shin-hanga (new prints), with works by Kawase Hasui and Hashiguchi Goyo. Carnegie Museum of Art also possesses several complete series of prints produced in such limited numbers that they are rarely seen today, including One Hundred Views of New Tokyo created between 1929 and 1932. In addition, an essay on the history and significance of the collection provides a brief introduction to Japanese printmaking in the twentieth century, making this illustrated guide an invaluable reference for researchers, curators, collectors and general enthusiasts of Japanese art.

Surveys the persistence of Japanese woodblock printing through the first half of the 20th century, when mainstream art ignored it as an extinct form. Describes the divergence of traditional and modern methods, the influence of the West, and the eventual decline. Includes many fine reproductions, 16 pages in color. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Essays by Donald Keene, Anne Nishimura Morse, Frederic A. Sharf, Louise E. Virgin.

An inspirational how-to course on Japanese woodblock printing's history and techniques, with guidance on materials and studio practices, step-by-step demonstrations, and examples of finished works by modern masters of the medium as well as historic pieces. A Modern Guide to the Ancient Art of mokuhanga An increasingly popular yet age-old art form, Japanese woodblock printing (mokuhanga) is embraced for its non-toxic character, use of handmade materials, and easy integration with other printmaking techniques. In this comprehensive guide, artist and printmaker April Vollmer—one of the best known mokuhanga practitioners and instructors in the West—combines her deep knowledge of this historic printmaking practice with expert step-by-step instruction, guidance on materials and studio practices, and a diverse collection of prints by leading contemporary artists. At once practical and inspirational, this handbook is as useful to serious printmakers and artists as it is to creative people drawn to Japanese history and aesthetics.

Japanese woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e, are the most recognizable Japanese art form. Their massive popularity has spread from Japan to be embraced by a worldwide audience. Covering the period from the beginning of the Japanese woodblock print in the 1680s until the year 1900, Japanese Woodblock Prints provides a detailed survey of all the famous ukiyo-e artists, along with over 500 full-color prints. Unlike previous examinations of this art form, Japanese Woodblock Prints includes detailed histories of the publishers of woodblock prints—who were often the driving force determining which prints, and therefore which artists, would make it into mass circulation for a chance at critical and popular success. Invaluable as a guide for ukiyo-e enthusiasts looking for detailed information about their favorite Japanese woodblock print artists and prints, it is also an ideal introduction for newcomers to the world of the woodblock print. This lavishly illustrated book will be a valued addition to the libraries of scholars, as well as the general art enthusiast.

The introduction by Lawrence Smith gives a concise history of the medium since 1912, charting the two 'golden ages' (1915-40 and 1950-75) and the assimilation of new international techniques and styles. The book also contains biographies of all the 78 artists illustrated, a comprehensive bibliography and a glossary of Japanese terms.