Glossary: Japanese Prints

There are two distinct schools of Japanese woodblock prints, one based around Edo, the old name for Tokyo and the other around Osaka. The Edo school is by far the most important and produce some of the great exponents of the medium such as Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kuniyoshi, Kunisada and Yoshitoshi. The subject matter of these prints is very important and reflects the customs and manners of Japan in the 18th and 19th centuries. Important subject matters included, historical and mythological scenes, pretty women, famous actors from the Kabuki theatre, genre scenes and landscapes.