Violence, sex and grotesque — the woodblock prints of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Two Wounded Warriors of the Takechi [Akechi] Clan, central sheet of the triptych Illustration of the Death of Leaders and Vassals of the Takechi [Akechi] Clan at the Great Battle of Amagasaki
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, fifth month 1865

What is Ukiyo-e?

Ukiyo-e is the most commonly and admired art form of the Edo period (1603–1868). During the time of Japanese history when the political and military power was in the hand of shoguns and Japan was isolated from the rest of the world this fascinating art form developed. Ukiyo-e (浮世絵), pictures of the floating world, are closely connected to daily Japanese lifestyle of the Edo period. Theatres, restaurants, teahouses, geishas and courtesans are usually depicted. In fact many Ukiyo-e by artists like Utamaro or Sharaku were posters to advertise theaters or depicted idol portraits, popular actors or beautiful tea house girls. Ukiyo-e became gifts and souvenirs for townspeople and visitors, some even competed in collecting all the prints in on series. Ukiyo-e was the popular art form for the mass and they were a result of a collaboration among artists, block cutters, printers and publishers. They were viewed as cheap and expendable amusement and artists relied on mass production and mainstream sales.

However it wasn’t until the Post-impressionists in Europe and the United States demonstrated interest in this kind of Japanese art form so that the rest of the world also became aware of this genre.