Hokusai’s ‘Great Wave’, the most iconic image in Japanese art – is setting some eye popping records at auction. Recently, an early-original Great Wave sold at Christies for a whopping $2.8million. That is almost double the previous sale from 2022, which was $1.5 million. That $1.5million sales was already up around 50%. So, the sales …
What’s Driving the Record Hokusai Great Wave Prices? Read More »
Katsushika Hokusai’s style of art is often characterized by his mastery of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques, which he used to create a wide range of works including landscapes, portraits, and depictions of everyday life in Edo-period Japan. Hokusai’s style is known for its attention to detail and its use of vivid colors and …
Hasui Kawase was a prominent Japanese woodblock print artist who lived from 1883 to 1957. He is particularly renowned for his landscape prints, which are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. Hasui Kawase primarily lived and worked in Tokyo, Japan. He was born in the Asakusa district of Tokyo in 1883, and he …
Why is Hasui Kawase so Popular in the Art Market? Read More »
When you set out to become a serious woodblock print collector, one of the first learning curves you must master is determining what is an original woodblock print. There are so many beautiful copies floating around out there, and it might be complex to figure out if what you are seeing is an “original”. Here …
OK, so you have a beautiful Japanese woodblock print in your hands, and you swear it is of great importance and value. The colors are gorgeous, the subjects is interesting, but you are baffled because you are at a loss to determine its maker, year, title, etc. Well, check out the following guide for everything …
Geishas, who are skilled entertainers trained in traditional Japanese arts such as dance, music, and poetry, were a popular subject in Japanese woodblock prints, also known as ukiyo-e prints. These prints were created during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan and were widely produced and circulated as a form of popular art. Geishas were popular …
Original Hokusai prints are far more valuable than reproductions due to their rarity and historical significance. Hokusai was a prolific artist who produced a large number of prints during his lifetime, but many of these prints were lost or destroyed over time. As a result, original Hokusai prints are highly sought after by collectors and …
Hokusai Originals are far more Valuable than Reproductions Read More »
Identifying an original versus a reproduction woodblock print can be challenging, as many reproductions are made to look as close to the original as possible. However, there are several factors to consider when trying to identify an original woodblock print: Paper quality: Original woodblock prints are typically printed on high-quality, handmade paper that has a …
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Woodblock prints are higher quality when stored away from light because light exposure can cause the pigments and paper of the print to fade or discolor over time. This is because light contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can break down the molecular structure of the pigments and paper. Additionally, prolonged exposure to light can cause …
What’s the Best Way to Store my Woodblock Print? Read More »
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is considered one of Japan’s favorite artists due to his immense talent and influence on the art world both in Japan and internationally. Hokusai is best known for his woodblock prints, particularly his series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” which includes the famous print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” One reason for …
Ukiyo-e Master – Hokusai’s Most Interesting Subjects Read More »
