Impressions of Ukiyo-ye, the school of the Japanese colour-print artists

This compact volume opens a vivid window onto the world of Japanese colour‑print art, tracing the rise of the “floating world” from its early beginnings through the glittering Genroku era. The author weaves together contemporary commentary and scholarly insight, explaining how masters such as Hokusai, Hiroshige, Utamaro, and the Torii school captured everyday life, nature and theatrical drama with a blend of realism and poetry. Readers are invited to feel the same spontaneous appreciation that first enchanted Western visitors, without needing prior expertise in Asian art.

Beyond the narrative, the book showcases more than sixty finely reproduced prints, each paired with a fac‑simile of the artist’s signature placed nearby for easy identification. Comparative essays highlight stylistic differences among the leading schools, while practical hints guide collectors in spotting genuine gems. A bibliography and index round out the work, making it a handy reference for students, hobbyists, and anyone curious about this enduring visual tradition.