What are Japanese woodblock prints?

Japanese woodblock prints, which date back to the 8th century and are also known as ukiyo-e, are a traditional art form originally produced only in Buddhist monasteries to produce religious texts and images. In the 17th century, private studios began opening as woodblock prints became popular. To make a woodblock print, the artist creates a design on paper, and a wood carver places it on the block and carves the design. Each color requires its own woodblock, which are then covered with watercolors and printed on rice paper. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese woodblock prints from top sellers around the world.

Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?

Yes, some Japanese woodblock prints are valuable. Prices vary greatly, with some selling for hundreds of dollars and others fetching selling prices of over a million at auction. Makers have a big influence on the price, with prints from masters like Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro often having the greatest value. Other things that determine how much woodblock prints are worth include the quality of the image, the condition of the print, its age, its rarity and the demand among collectors. An expert appraiser or dealer can give you an estimate of the value of a particular print. Explore a selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?

To tell if a woodblock print is real, turn it over. Due to the processes used to produce woodblock prints, it is usually possible to see the ink bleeding through on the reverse side of an original print. Reproductions will not have this characteristic since they are made by machine. If you're still uncertain whether your print is an original, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer, as it can be very difficult to tell a convincing reprint apart from a real woodblock without proper training. Find a wide variety of woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?

To identify Japanese woodblock prints, try using the website Ukiyo-e Search. Simply snap a photo of your print and upload it to the site, which will then compare the image to its database of thousands of prints and quickly display the results. If you have difficulty identifying your print, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer who has experience with Japanese art. Shop a large selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

Woodblock Print Clouds

‘Moving Clouds’ – traditional Japanese woodblock print by Katsuyuki Nishijima

$540

‘Moving Clouds’ – traditional Japanese woodblock print by Katsuyuki Nishijima

Located in Weesp, NL

‘Moving Clouds’ – traditional Japanese woodblock print by Katsuyuki Nishijima A serene and beautifully composed Japanese woodblock print titled “Moving Clouds” by Katsuyuki Nishiji...

2010s Japanese Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

'Kumotatsu' contemporary Japanese woodblock print by Nishijima Katsuyuki

$540

'Kumotatsu' contemporary Japanese woodblock print by Nishijima Katsuyuki

Located in Weesp, NL

'Kumotatsu' contemporary Japanese woodblock print by Nishijima Katsuyuki This exquisite contemporary Japanese woodblock print, Kumotatsu (Clouds Forming), by acclaimed artist Nishij...

2010s Japanese Japonisme Prints

Materials

Paper

Recent Sales

Paul Binnie Limited Edition Signed Japanese Woodblock Cloud Shadows Grand Canyon

Sold

H 19 in W 26.5 in D 0.1 in

Paul Binnie Limited Edition Signed Japanese Woodblock Cloud Shadows Grand Canyon

By Paul Binnie

Located in Studio City, CA

An awe inspiring image of the Grand Canyon by Scottish born Japanese woodblock print artist Paul Binnie. The subtle colors changes and depth of this work is breathtaking.

Early 2000s Japanese Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

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Finding the Right Prints for You

Prints are works of art produced in multiple editions. Though several copies of a specific artwork can exist, collectors consider antique and vintage prints originals when they have been manually created by the artist or are “impressions” that are part of the artist’s intent for the work.

Modern artists use a range of printmaking techniques to produce different types of prints such as relief, intaglio and planographic. Relief prints are created by cutting away a printing surface to leave only a design. Ink or paint is applied to the raised parts of the surface, and it is used to stamp or press the design onto paper or another surface. Relief prints include woodcuts, linocuts and engravings.

Intaglio prints are the opposite of relief prints in that they are incised into the printing surface. The artist cuts the design into a block, plate or other material and then coats it with ink before wiping off the surface and transferring the design to paper through tremendous pressure. Intaglio prints have plate marks showing the impression of the original block or plate as it was pressed onto the paper.

Artists create planographic prints by drawing a design on a stone or metal plate using a grease crayon. The plate is washed with water, then ink is spread over the plate and it adheres to the grease markings. The image is then stamped on paper to make prints.

All of these printmaking methods have an intricate process, although each can usually transfer only one color of ink. Artists use separate plates or blocks for multiple colors, and together these create one finished work of art.

Find prints ranging from the 18th- and 19th-century bird illustrations by J.C. Sepp to mid-century modern prints, as well as numerous other antique and vintage prints at 1stDibs. Browse the collection today and read about how to arrange wall art in your space.

Questions About Woodblock Print Clouds

What are Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Japanese woodblock prints, which date back to the 8th century and are also known as ukiyo-e, are a traditional art form originally produced only in Buddhist monasteries to produce religious texts and images. In the 17th century, private studios began opening as woodblock prints became popular. To make a woodblock print, the artist creates a design on paper, and a wood carver places it on the block and carves the design. Each color requires its own woodblock, which are then covered with watercolors and printed on rice paper. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese woodblock prints from top sellers around the world.
Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
Yes, some Japanese woodblock prints are valuable. Prices vary greatly, with some selling for hundreds of dollars and others fetching selling prices of over a million at auction. Makers have a big influence on the price, with prints from masters like Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro often having the greatest value. Other things that determine how much woodblock prints are worth include the quality of the image, the condition of the print, its age, its rarity and the demand among collectors. An expert appraiser or dealer can give you an estimate of the value of a particular print. Explore a selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if a woodblock print is real, turn it over. Due to the processes used to produce woodblock prints, it is usually possible to see the ink bleeding through on the reverse side of an original print. Reproductions will not have this characteristic since they are made by machine. If you're still uncertain whether your print is an original, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer, as it can be very difficult to tell a convincing reprint apart from a real woodblock without proper training. Find a wide variety of woodblock prints on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
To identify Japanese woodblock prints, try using the website Ukiyo-e Search. Simply snap a photo of your print and upload it to the site, which will then compare the image to its database of thousands of prints and quickly display the results. If you have difficulty identifying your print, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer who has experience with Japanese art. Shop a large selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

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