Japanese Graphic Art

Japanese Graphic Art has become world famou thanks to the exquisite prints produced by a succession of great 18th & 19th century artists. The bold outlines & strong hues of these works have given them a universal appeal, while their subjects offer fascinating glimpses of a sophisticated way of life that is no more. Designed mainly for a popular audience in flourishing Edo (resent-day Tokyo), print artists such as Harunobu & Utamaro pictured the city's reigning beauties, the stars of the theatre, & leisure pursuits such as river tris & cherry blossom viewing. A little later,sai & Hiroshigo introduced landscape & rural scenes, while Kuniyoshi portrayed the stirring legends & martial deeds of an older Japan. Hoku