Collection: Meiji Beauties prints exhibition catalogue

Sotheran's are please to present you with this exhibition catalogue of Japanese woodblock prints from the Meiji era. The later half of the 19th century saw the widespread introduction of western culture into the previously secluded Japanese Islands, in what was known as the “Meiji period”. Every aspect of society saw rapid change, from industry and governance, to every day matters such as clothing and transportation. In spite of this influence, there remained a great appreciation for the old traditions, including the art of woodblock printing. Sticking to the classic subjects of the previous “Edo period”, production of these hand made prints remained common throughout the Meiji period, as it took advantage of the new cultural and technological developments. The import of resistant, bold pigments such as red, green and purple, were a common feature of woodblock prints from the era, making them instantly recognisable. In particular the subject of “Bijin-ga”, or “images of beautiful women”, was a vessel for artists and publishers to portray the changing times through depictions of modern dresses and customs, giving the woodblock printing world a new-found relevancy.