Japanese Popular Prints: from votive slips to playing cards

Description

In the West, we tend to associate Japanese prints with the ukiyo-e tradition - prints based on the aristocracy, cultural heroes, actors and the beautiful people of the time. These prints were (and are) considered to be fine art, using the highest quality of materials and immense time and skill. But behind the scenes, Japanese printmakers in the major cities were also catering for a working class culture, using intense speed and poor quality materials to create beautiful multi-coloured decorative papers, votive name cards, games, playing cards, gift envelopes, paper screens, etc. In this book, Rebecca Salter explores this tradition and also the work that is still being done today in this field. The result is a fascinating look at an exciting and beautiful art form.

Rebecca Salter is a well-known British printmaker. She lived in Japanfor 6 years and she is an acknowledged authority on Japanese woodblockprinting. She has previously written Japanese Woodblock Printing for A&C Black.

"The author has combined her practical knowledge of the subject with in-depth research of a neglected topic to produce a book full of visual surprises and delightful discoveries, useful historical overviews and clear technical explanations." Japan Foundation Newsletter (30th June 2006) 'A fascinating study from an inside point of view the collection of material illustrated alone makes this book a worthwhile purchase.' Artbookreview.net (22nd August 2006) "This generously illustrated and well designed book This book is a highly welcome addition to any printmaking library or bookshelf." Printmaking Today (Winter 2006) 'An informal history with considerable charm Essential reading for anyone with an interest in the art and culture of Japan.' The Art Book (May 2007) 'An entertaining, surprising and unique journey through the popular culture of the most colourful period in Japanese history For Japanese scholars, lovers of beautiful images and the playful at heart "Japanese Popular Prints" uncovers surprises from a lost world.' Japan Times (June 2007)