The Edo Period

The Edo period, from 1603 - 1867 was a time of peace and prosperity for Japan. It also saw Japan isolate itself from the rest of world and brought about an unexpected change in social hierachy and class definitions.

The Arts And Ukiyo-E

Today, one of the most famous influences that remains from this time was the development of the arts. The genre of painting known as ukiyo-E originates from the Edo era. Paintings were based on pictures of what was known as 'the floating world'.

Due to better living conditions and the growth in personal wealth, money was spent on indulging the senses in ways that had not been accessible to the public before. Ukiyo-e paintings reflected these new 'hobbies' and in modern terms may be considered to be artistic pornography.

The ukiyo-e style of art continued to grow in popularity and soon many different subjects were depicted in this style.

The method of painting later evolved into using hand-colored woodblock prints to create the image. Perhaps the most famous of the ukiyo-e artists is Hokusai. His most popular series,36 views of Fuji mountain, which includes 'The Great Wave' to your right, has been reproduced many times and is recognized world wide.

This is the famous "In the Hollow of a Wave off the Coast at Kanagawa", often known in the West as "The Wave".

Mount Fuji in Clear Weather. This often also known as "Red Fuji".