100 Famous Ukiyo E Paintings You'll Love

Hokusai Museum1830Woodblock print

Primarily Prussian blue, white, and shades of grey. Dynamic balance between the colossal wave and the expansive sky. The print's impact can be seen in their own seascapes and landscapes, which often echoed Hokusai’s bold brushstrokes and evocative imagery.

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Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, NagasakiWoodblock print37 × 24 cm

The color palette is a masterclass in restraint; rather than overwhelming the viewer with brilliance, Hiroshige utilizes a sophisticated range of muted tones —soft greys, earthy browns, and tranquil blues—interrupted only by subtle, intentional pops of red and white.

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Bristol Museum - Art Gallery1832Woodblock print

Hokusai, already a celebrated master by this period, was deeply influenced by Chinese folklore—particularly the legend of the carp leaping the Yellow River to transform into a dragon. The carp itself is rendered with a vibrant red hue, immediately drawing the viewer’s eye.

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1831Woodblock print

Created in 1831, this woodblock print is part of Hokusai's renowned series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji." The ukiyo-e style, characterized by its bold outlines, flat colors, and emphasis on natural subjects, showcases Hokusai's exceptional skill and artistic vision.

Spotdense forest at the base of the mountainvibrant red hue of Mount Fujiserene sky with deep blues and whites

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1848Woodblock print37 × 25 cm

Yata Gorôemon Suketake is a woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Yata Gorôemon Suketake is depicted running through a landscape of destruction, amidst the broken pieces of a shoji and scattered flowers.

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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.1814Woodblock printed; ink, color and metallic pigment on paper

One recounts the passionate affair between Hanada Umenosuke and Tamami Oiso—a tale mirroring a popular folktale about Princess Tamatori, which explored themes of courage, vulnerability, and overcoming obstacles. This technique allowed for vibrant colors and detailed textures, capturing the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

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The Art Institute1834Sumi ink & washi

Hokusai’s technique relies heavily on layered washes of sumi ink applied to washi (Japanese rice) paper using delicate brushes and specialized tools. A durable, absorbent paper essential for achieving the characteristic Ukiyo-e texture.

Spotmistcrane symbolism

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Woodblock print

This print, titled Couple Beside A Plum Tree At Night, was created by the Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu. Harunobu was born in Edo, Japan, in 1724 and continued to develop his distinct approach to woodblock printing until his death in 1770.

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1834Woodblock print

Artists like Hokusai would conceive the design, then skilled carvers meticulously cut the woodblocks for each element—the sky, the wave, the boats, and even individual details. It allowed for unprecedented tonal range and atmospheric effects, transforming the landscape into a dynamic, almost palpable force.

Spotmt Fujispiral wave

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Bujalance Collection1845Woodblock print38 × 26 cm

The composition is a masterclass in narrative layering. The subtle palette, characteristic of mid-19th century Japanese printing, provides a sophisticated touch that integrates seamlessly into both contemporary minimalist settings and more traditional, richly textured interiors.

Spotsplit composition with haikucartouche

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Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1794Woodblock print38 × 25 cm

In the fleeting moments of the Edo period, few artists captured the raw, unbridled energy of human emotion as piercingly as Tōshūsai Sharaku. The deep, somber tones of the background push the figure forward, creating a three-dimensional presence that seems to leap from the paper.

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Woodblock print

Around her, the world feels suspended in a gentle harmony. The composition breathes with the precision of a hand that understands both the weight of tradition and the lightness of a passing moment.

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Hammer Museum, Los Angeles1848–1850Full-color woodcut (nishiki-e)37 × 25 cm

The scene unfolds on the Uji River, a tributary of Kyoto’s Kamogawa River, famed for its scenic splendor. Five boats brimming with samurai warriors dominate the composition, their oars propelling them forward amidst swirling eddies and spray.

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1857

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1853

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1835Ukiyo-e woodblock print38 × 26 cm

The scene depicts Oniwakamaru, a legendary warrior known for his bravery and skill, engaged in a perilous battle with a colossal carp. The dynamic composition, characteristic of Kuniyoshi's style, captures a moment of intense action.

Spotwomanchildgiant carp

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Woodblock print

Through the delicate application of ukiyo-e techniques, the artist employs a sophisticated use of line and color to define the textures of the natural world.

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Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Woodblock print

The painting centers around a group of individuals enjoying themselves within the shadow of the 500 Rakan temples – a reference to Buddhist monks known for their wandering and meditation practices. The emphasis on nature, harmony, and spiritual contemplation was deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Spotwater viewboat

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Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1795

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1795

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Indianapolis Museum of Art1858Woodblock print

The composition is dominated by a horizontal format, a deliberate choice that emphasizes the breadth of the landscape and creates a sense of expansive space – a rarity in traditional Japanese art.

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1848Woodblock print

Created around 1848, during Kuniyoshi’s most prolific period, this woodblock print captures a pivotal moment in the life of Benkei, the devoted disciple of the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a figure steeped in folklore and revered for his unwavering loyalty and martial prowess.

Spotbenkei figurewarriors

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Woodblock print

The artwork begins with a skilled artisan carving a detailed woodblock from cherry wood. The flat planes of color characteristic of ukiyo-e are skillfully manipulated to suggest form and texture, particularly in the flowing garments of the women and the shimmering effect of the fireflies.

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1830Ink wash painting

The artist skillfully utilized Prussian blue pigment, imported from Europe during this period, which revolutionized Japanese color palettes and allowed for unprecedented vibrancy.

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Tokyo National Museum1830Woodblock print

Each line is precisely carved into a wooden block, and then meticulously inked using multiple colors – a technique known as bokashi. Kuniyoshi's innovative approach to color, influenced perhaps by his exposure to Western landscape painting, adds another layer of sophistication to this work.

Spotfigurestextscroll

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Discover "Poem By Bunya No Asayasu" by Katsushika Hokusai – a stunning depiction of boats on the water.

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Minneapolis Institute ArtsInk on paper

The meticulous detail achieved through this method—each line carefully carved into a block and then inked—is evident throughout the composition. Research confirms this artwork was produced during the Edo period (1603–1868) and was created by a pupil of Hokusai himself.

Spotukiyo-e style

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Fuji In A Downpour exemplifies Hokusai's mastery of woodblock printing. The subtle gradations of tone achieved through meticulous carving and inking create a remarkable sense of depth and texture. Hokusai’s style is characterized by bold lines, simplified forms, and an acute observation of everyday life.

Spotpeople walking togetherrainumbrellas

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Bujalance Collection1898Woodblock print26 × 36 cm

At the center, a figure rests or perhaps prepares for a dance, surrounded by others whose presence suggests a shared narrative of camaraderie. In this piece, his use of line creates a sense of structural grace, guiding the eye through the complex arrangement of figures.

Spotintricate clothingsocial interaction

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1803

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185120 × 25 cm

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Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1795

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184837 × 26 cm

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

184836 × 26 cm

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

184836 × 25 cm

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1830Painting

Produced sometime during Hokusai’s prolific output—likely around 1830—this artwork offers a glimpse into the artist’s evolving stylistic sensibilities as he moved beyond his celebrated woodblock prints to experiment with oil paints, marking a significant step in his artistic trajectory.

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Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, NagasakiWoodblock print36 × 23 cm

The interplay between the Great Tenryu and the Lesser Tenryu currents provides a structural backbone to the piece, offering a balanced yet dynamic arrangement that prevents the eye from resting too long in one place.

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1814

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Admire Goyo Hashiguchi’s ‘Lady In Grey Kimono,’ a stunning Ukiyo-e portrait of a Japanese woman.

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Explore vibrant colors, expressive lines & timeless Japanese artistry.

Hand-painted from $275 Canvas from $42

Discover 'Assassin Prince' by tsukioka yoshitoshi – a dramatic Ukiyo-e woodblock print featuring a warrior & monstrous figure.

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Capturing Edo-era craftsmanship & daily life in stunning detail.

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1806

Admire 'Flowers' by Kitagawa Utamaro (1806), a serene ukiyo-e masterpiece featuring blossoms & a moonlit scene.

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1808

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1805231 × 80 cm

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Admire 'Man Behind a Sliding Door' by Suzuki Harunobu – a serene 18th-century Japanese print.

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Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1749Woodblock print, ink, and paper102.2 × 51.6 cm

The composition is a vertical arrangement centered on a Japanese woman seated upon a low stool. The artist, Yosa Buson, was a significant figure in the development of haiga, a genre that integrates haiku poetry with expressive ink wash painting.

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Giclée print38 × 26 cm

Here, the mundane act of walking becomes imbued with poetic weight, suggesting journeys both physical and spiritual.

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1803

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1794

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Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and FolkloreWoodblock print49 × 35 cm

One wrestler holds his opponent down upon his knees, a pivotal moment of tension that suggests the climax of a match. The way the figures are rendered—with an emphasis on the muscularity and the dramatic weight of their postures—creates a visceral connection with the viewer.

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RISD Museum, ProvidenceWoodblock print (ukiyo-e)

The figures—a man, a woman, and a boy—are not engaged in any explicit activity; instead, they are lost in contemplation, their postures suggesting a shared moment of quiet reflection.

Spotdynamic compositionkabuki actors

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Woodblock print (cherry wood)

The artist’s meticulous linework style—characterized by delicate hatching and shading—creates an illusion of depth and texture without resorting to realistic perspective.

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Tsutaya Jűzaburô (Kôshodô)1793Woodblock print

The print’s dynamic arrangement—characterized by overlapping figures and a shallow depth—reflects the conventions of ukiyo-e style. Artists deliberately flattened perspective to convey atmosphere and emotion, prioritizing narrative impact over strict realism.

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1820

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1857

Hand-painted from $225 Canvas from $42

Admire Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Chrysanthemum Spray,’ a serene woodblock print showcasing floral beauty & traditional Japanese aesthetics.

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1857

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1827

Admire Katsushika Hokusai’s "Cherry Blossoms & Warbler." A stunning Ukiyo-e print showcasing delicate beauty, traditional Japanese art, and a serene composition.

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

This iconic Ukiyo-e woodblock print showcases playful figures & vibrant colors.

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

1794

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Discover "A Courtesan Wearing A Bathing Robe" by Suzuki Harunobu – a stunning example of Japanese ukiyo-e art.

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1830Woodblock print

Kuniyoshi's work is firmly rooted in the “floating world” – a term used to describe the vibrant entertainment culture of Edo Japan, which encompassed everything from Kabuki theater to pleasure districts.

Spotanimal dyeing scene

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1860Ukiyo-e woodblock print

Kuniyoshi’s technical skill is immediately apparent in the bold lines and carefully constructed composition. The meticulous carving process, executed by skilled artisans, ensures that every detail, from the texture of the wood beam to the strained muscles of the wrestler, is rendered with remarkable clarity.

Spotheavy beamstrength

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Discover Suzuki Harunobu’s ‘Potted Chrysanthemums And Full Moon,’ a delicate monochrome drawing showcasing exquisite floral still life & intricate metalwork.

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Exquisite ukiyo-e print by Suzuki Harunobu depicting Kaga no Chiyo.

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

The scene centers on two figures seated directly on the ground before a vibrant red building – likely a teahouse or modest residence. The painting’s subtle color palette complements a variety of décor styles – from minimalist modern to traditional Japanese.

Spotbooksred building in backgroundhandbag

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Admire its serene winter landscape & explore Japanese art history.

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42

Hand-painted from $175 Canvas from $42