Author(s): Shoko Haruki

ART OF AFRICA ASIA + OCEANA | TATTOO REFERENCE

This book features two highly regarded painters in the world of ukiyo-e: Kuniyoshi Utagawa, who gained popularity both in Japan and internationally as a 'fantastical' painter, and Yoshitoshi Tsukioka, who painted a harsh, beautiful fantasy world. Flashy, punk, mysterious and bursting with energy, ukiyo-e paintings fascinate not only fans of traditional Japanese culture both in Japan and overseas, but also serve as a source of inspiration for a range of creators around the world today. Ukiyo-e are paintings of the 'floating world' of the Edo Period, in other words, the daily life of the time that is depicted in an exciting, satirical and at times joyful way. Because they were popular among common people, they are said to have laid the foundation of Japanese pop culture.