Reading Japanese Woodcut Prints
Part of the fascination of a Japanese woodblock print often lies in its seals and signatures. The ability to “read” these identifying marks is essential for anyone interested in the art of ukiyo-e; without it, the language of the Japanese print cannot be understood, and the history and origin of each print remain riddles to the untrained eye.
On Japanese woodblock prints, there are blocks of writing which identify the print’s title, series, artist, publisher, and other people involved in its production. These blocks are usually found in the same place, although their locations can vary. Japanese characters (kanji) are read from right to left, top to bottom.
Have a look at the examples provided below.
On Japanese woodblock prints, there are blocks of writing which identify the print’s title, series, artist, publisher, and other people involved in its production. These blocks are usually found in the same place, although their locations can vary. Japanese characters (kanji) are read from right to left, top to bottom.
Have a look at the examples provided below.
http://roningallery.com/education/#signatures
Click the link provided and navigate the website. Find out more about reading Japanese Woodcut Prints.
Use the information found on this website to create your own Artist signature.
In your visual diaries create four different thumbnail sketches of what your Artist Signature might look like.
Click the link provided and navigate the website. Find out more about reading Japanese Woodcut Prints.
Use the information found on this website to create your own Artist signature.
In your visual diaries create four different thumbnail sketches of what your Artist Signature might look like.
The link to the left is a great Vimeo of Catherine Stuer and Jie Shi (cutorial interns) for the exhibition 'Objects and Voices: A Collection of Stories' (from Smart's Gallery) disscussing why traditional East Asian prints are often insribed with words and stamped with seals.
https://vimeo.com/119209224 |