Inspiration · Ukiyo E
1749 – 1891
Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831), Katsushika Hokusai's Femenine Wave (1830, Hokusai Museum) and Utagawa Hiroshige's Early Department from a Daimyo (n.d., Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art): these are the most famous Ukiyo E paintings. The list runs to 100 paintings by 16 artists, from 1749 to 1891, each with the collection that holds it today.
Singular works
Every original here is unique and kept in one place. Its story, its home, and the detail that makes it unmistakable.
1831Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)25.7 × 37.9 cm
Belonging to the ukiyo-e (“pictures of the floating world”) genre, this print exemplifies the sophisticated techniques developed during Japan’s Edo period. The Great Wave is the first in Hokusai's celebrated series, “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” While seemingly focused on the tumultuous sea, the distant, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji anchors the scene, providing a sense of scale and symbolic stability.
The singular detailprussian blue pigmentlarge wave
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
Hokusai Museum1830Woodblock print
The subtle gradations of tone within each element—the foam, the water, the clouds—demonstrate Hokusai’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the nuances of light and shadow. It’s important to note that Hokusai's art is rich with ambiguity, encouraging viewers to bring their own experiences and perspectives to bear on its meaning.
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.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
Bristol Museum - Art Gallery1832Woodblock print
“Carp in Water” exemplifies the hallmarks of Hokusai's signature nishiki-e style—a technique characterized by its bold use of color, intricate detail, and layered washes. The carp itself represents ambition, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities deeply valued in Japanese culture.
1831Woodblock print
Hokusai, born in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1760, was a prolific artist known for his landscapes, woodblock prints, and manga. "Red Fuji" is one of the most famous images from Hokusai's series, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of Mount Fuji in various weather conditions and seasons.
The singular detaildense forest at the base of the mountainvibrant red hue of Mount Fuji
1848Woodblock print37 × 25 cm
Created in 1848, the work belongs to the series Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai (Seichū gishi den). The print identifies the subject as Yata Gorôemon Suketake, a figure from the legendary tale of the Forty-Seven Ronin.
Katsushika HokusaiJapanese Ukiyo-e
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. Notably, one particular illustration—titled The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife —captures Hokusai's genius in portraying an unconventional pairing: a woman enveloped by the limbs of two octopuses.
The Art Institute1834Sumi ink & washi
In East Asian cultures, particularly in Japan and China, the crane represents longevity, happiness, good fortune, and imperial power. Cranes on Pine Tree was created during a pivotal period in Hokusai’s career, following his groundbreaking work Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.
The singular detailmistcrane symbolism
1885–1892Woodblock print
Moon Over The Waters At Daimotsu Bay is a significant woodblock print by the Japanese artist Yoshitoshi. This work belongs to his celebrated series, One Hundred Aspects of the Moon, also known as Tsuki hyakkei. The subject of this specific print draws from the historical and literary traditions of the Tale of the Heike.
Woodblock print
This print, titled Couple Beside A Plum Tree At Night, was created by the Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu. It belongs to the ukiyo-e tradition, a genre that captured the shifting social landscapes of the Edo period. The work is a significant example of the artist's technical precision.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1882Fresco12 × 9 cm
A gold-colored surface provides the foundation for this composition, where a kettle rests atop a blue bowl. This arrangement reflects an oriental style, drawing from Japanese traditions to present a quiet, domestic moment. The work utilizes a specific combination of materials to achieve its visual depth: The application of lacquer onto gold paper creates a subtle interplay of light and texture. The artist, Shibata Zeshin, was a practitioner of maki-e, a method of applying metallic pigments onto lacquer.
Woodblock print
At the heart of the scene stands a commanding, ancient tree, its gnarled branches serving as a silent witness to the travelers passing beneath its canopy.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e Tradition
1834Woodblock print
Unlike traditional, often monumental, paintings commissioned by the aristocracy, ukiyo-e catered to a wider audience – merchants, artisans, and commoners – through affordable woodblock prints. In the background, Mount Fuji—a sacred symbol of Japan—appears small and distant, offering a point of stability amidst the turmoil.
The singular detailmt Fujispiral wave
Bujalance Collection1845Woodblock print38 × 26 cm
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.
The singular detailsplit composition with haikucartouche
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1794Woodblock print38 × 25 cm
Sharaku’s career was as brief as it was explosive, lasting only a few months before he vanished from the historical record, leaving behind a trail of portraits that redefined the genre of actor prints.
Utagawa KuniyoshiJapanese Ukiyo-e
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. Kuniyoshi skillfully juxtaposes this tranquil landscape with the tumultuous clash between two warring clans – the Tokugawa and Mito factions – vying for control during Japan's turbulent Edo Period.
Utagawa KunisadaUkiyo-e
1853Woodblock print
Sumo Spectators is a woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kunisada. This work is a representation of a traditional Japanese scene. The piece is signed and dated 1853. As a practitioner of ukiyo-e, Kunisada was a leading figure in the use of color woodblock printing during the Edo period.
Shibata ZeshinUkiyo-e
1891Fresco
The scene unfolds across two panels, creating a tension between stillness and movement. This elder deer rests against the deep shadows of a rocky outcropping, while brown mushrooms sprout from the earth below.
Yoshitoshiukiyo-e
Woodblock print
A woman stands at the center of a tranquil gathering, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders like ink spilled upon silk. Around her, the world feels suspended in a gentle harmony.
1853Color woodblock print; ink and color on paper
White foam and spray rise from the dark, churning water as waves crash against jagged rocks. The print captures a specific natural event—the rapid change in water levels that occurs four times daily in this narrow passage between the Inland Sea and the Kii Channel.
1857Woodblock print, ink and colour on paper
73 The City Flourishing, the Tanabata Festival is a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige. It belongs to the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei). It captures the specific atmosphere of the Tanabata Festival, also known as Tanabatatsume.
1835Ukiyo-e woodblock print38 × 26 cm
Created during the Edo period (1603-1868), “Oniwakamaru…” exemplifies the ukiyo-e genre – literally translated as “pictures of the floating world.” This artistic movement flourished by capturing the ephemeral pleasures and popular culture of the time.
The singular detailchildgiant carp
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e style
Woodblock print
Born in Tokyo in 1760, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a revolutionary figure in Japanese art. Created during the Edo period (1603-1868), a time of relative peace and prosperity in Japan, this artwork reflects the prevailing aesthetic values of the era.
The singular detailboatwater view
Woodblock print
The composition is a masterclass in perspective, leading the eye through a bustling scene of travelers and locals navigating the rugged terrain.
Woodblock print
Kuniyoshi's skill lies in his ability to synthesize multiple influences. This meticulous attention to detail is characteristic of Kuniyoshi's work and exemplifies the highest standards of Ukiyo-e artistry.
Utagawa KuniyoshiUkiyo-e Style
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.
The singular detailwarriorsbenkei figure
Woodblock print
The artwork begins with a skilled artisan carving a detailed woodblock from cherry wood. Kuniyoshi’s mastery lies in his ability to build up subtle tonal variations – achieved by layering different shades of Prussian blue, brown, and black – creating a sense of atmospheric depth and luminous quality.
Katsushika HokusaiJapanese Ukiyo-e
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. The Edo period (1689-1868) witnessed significant transformations in Japan’s political landscape and economy, fueled by burgeoning trade with the West.
Utagawa KuniyoshiUkiyo-e Tradition
Tokyo National Museum1830Woodblock print
Kuniyoshi's innovative approach to color, influenced perhaps by his exposure to Western landscape painting, adds another layer of sophistication to this work. Kuniyoshi frequently incorporated elements from Chinese folklore and literature into his work, drawing upon a rich tradition of storytelling that shaped Japanese culture.
The singular detailfigurestext
Discover "Poem By Bunya No Asayasu" by Katsushika Hokusai – a stunning depiction of boats on the water.
Suzuki HarunobuUkiyo-e
Experience 'The Kiss' by Suzuki Harunobu – a stunning ukiyo-e masterpiece showcasing intimacy & beauty.
Minneapolis Institute ArtsInk on paper
Katsushika Hokusai, a titan of Japanese art, is instantly recognizable for his monumental wave prints, yet his oeuvre encompassed a remarkable breadth of subject matter and stylistic approaches. Research confirms this artwork was produced during the Edo period (1603–1868) and was created by a pupil of Hokusai himself.
The singular detailukiyo-e style
The composition is dynamic; diagonal lines created by the falling rain and the sloped umbrellas convey movement and energy. Fuji In A Downpour exemplifies Hokusai's mastery of woodblock printing. Hokusai, throughout his prolific career, continually experimented with different subjects and styles, influencing generations of artists both in Japan and the West.
The singular detailumbrellaspeople walking together
185120 × 25 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1795
184837 × 26 cm
184836 × 26 cm
184836 × 25 cm
Unknown
This striking black and white ukiyo-e painting, ‘Swords On Stand,’ by the celebrated Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), offers a compelling glimpse into both artistic skill and cultural symbolism. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan experienced a long period of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate.
The singular detailcrossing compositiontwo swords on stands
Katsushika HokusaiJapanese Ukiyo-e
1830Painting
Hokusai's style is instantly recognizable as belonging to Ukiyo-e, the “pictures of the floating world,” a genre that flourished in Japan during the Edo period. The Edo Bakufu, or Tokugawa shogunate, exerted considerable control over artistic production, favoring subjects that celebrated imperial grandeur and reinforced social hierarchies.
Admire Goyo Hashiguchi’s ‘Lady In Grey Kimono,’ a stunning Ukiyo-e portrait of a Japanese woman.
Discover Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Fifty-Three Stations,’ a stunning Ukiyo-e woodblock print capturing Edo period life.
YoshitoshiUkiyo-e
Discover 'Assassin Prince' by tsukioka yoshitoshi – a dramatic Ukiyo-e woodblock print featuring a warrior & monstrous figure.
YoshitoshiUkiyo-e
Explore 'Hiratsuka' by tsukioka yoshitoshi – a stunning ukiyo-e woodblock print depicting a military procession.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
Capturing Edo-era craftsmanship & daily life in stunning detail.
Kitagawa UtamaroUkiyo-e
1806
Admire 'Flowers' by Kitagawa Utamaro (1806), a serene ukiyo-e masterpiece featuring blossoms & a moonlit scene.
1805231 × 80 cm
Admire 'Man Behind a Sliding Door' by Suzuki Harunobu – a serene 18th-century Japanese print.
1845Woodblock print (triptych)76 × 36 cm
The scene depicts Mitsukini, a legendary warrior, confronting a colossal skeleton summoned by the vengeful sorceress Princess Takiyasha. The choice of materials – thick, absorbent Japanese paper – was crucial to achieving the print's rich color saturation.
The singular detailskeletonwarrior
Yosa BusonUkiyo-e
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1749Woodblock print, ink, and paper102.2 × 51.6 cm
The following elements define the visual structure: Line Work: Heavy, deliberate outlines define the edges of the kimono, the stool, and the figure's limbs. Produced during the Edo period, this work reflects the aesthetic principles of 18th-century Japan.
Giclée print38 × 26 cm
Here, the mundane act of walking becomes imbued with poetic weight, suggesting journeys both physical and spiritual.
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. As a pupil of the great Kunisada I, the artist known as Kunisada II (or Toyokuni IV) carried forward a tradition of storytelling through printmaking that defined an entire epoch of Japanese art.
RISD Museum, ProvidenceWoodblock print (ukiyo-e)
The print belongs to the shunga genre – erotic woodblock prints that were surprisingly popular during this time. The resulting prints are valued for their unique character, each bearing subtle variations that reflect the handmade nature of the process.
The singular detailkabuki actorsdynamic composition
Woodblock print (cherry wood)
The print depicts a solitary monk, identified as Hotei – one of the Seven Lucky Gods – seated beside a cylindrical vessel filled with rice. The print's muted palette – primarily Prussian Blue – contributes to its contemplative mood, mirroring the spiritual essence of its subject matter.
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. The creation of Travelling Nuns exemplifies the intricate woodblock printing process characteristic of Edo-period art.
Admire Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Chrysanthemum Spray,’ a serene woodblock print showcasing floral beauty & traditional Japanese aesthetics.
YoshitoshiUkiyo-e
Ukiyo-e
The scenes offer subtle critiques of social hierarchies, class divisions, and the moral decay that Yoshitoshi perceived within Japanese society. Precursor to Modern Art: Yoshitoshi’s willingness to confront difficult themes and his innovative use of light and shadow foreshadowed many developments in later modern art movements.
The singular detaildiverse poseshumorous scenes
Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington1800Woodblock print
The subject, a woman captured in a moment of quiet introspection, presents her back to the observer, yet her presence is undeniably commanding. To the discerning eye, these textiles are more than mere clothing; they are a symbolic barrier between the private self and the public persona.
Bujalance Collection1852Woodblock print38 × 26 cm
What makes station 51 truly remarkable is the technical virtuosity required to harmonize two distinct artistic hands.
The singular detaillandscapecharacter integration
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York1795Woodblock print
The composition brings us face-to-face with Segawa Tomisaburo II and Ichikawa Kurizo, locked in a pose that is both dramatic and tender. Active for only a fleeting ten months, Sharaku revolutionized portraiture by moving away from idealized beauty toward a startling, almost unflattering realism.
The singular detailintimate poseornate clothing
1827
Admire Katsushika Hokusai’s "Cherry Blossoms & Warbler." A stunning Ukiyo-e print showcasing delicate beauty, traditional Japanese art, and a serene composition.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
Woodblock print
The composition is intimate, focusing on the figures and their immediate surroundings. Katsushika Hokusai was a prolific artist who revolutionized Ukiyo-e printmaking. Two Men Dining is a valuable addition to any art collection, representing a pivotal moment in Japanese artistic history.
1795Woodblock print, ink on paper
The attire of Hikosaburō III is far from mere costume; it is a visual language of power. This limited spectrum does not diminish the impact of the work; rather, it enhances the graphic power of Sharaku’s design.
Explore Japanese art history & a unique visual narrative.
Discover "A Courtesan Wearing A Bathing Robe" by Suzuki Harunobu – a stunning example of Japanese ukiyo-e art.
1830Woodblock print
This bold palette was not solely based on traditional Japanese pigments; Kuniyoshi, influenced by Western artistic trends, incorporated elements of light and shadow – a technique often seen in European landscape painting – into his work.
The singular detailanimal dyeing scene
Utagawa KuniyoshiUkiyo-e Tradition
1860Ukiyo-e woodblock print
Created around 1860, this striking image captures Yan Qing the Graceful (Roshi Ensei), a renowned wrestler celebrated for his tattooed physique and formidable strength, in a moment of intense exertion. The inclusion of these natural motifs also reflects the Edo period’s growing interest in landscape painting and its connection to Zen Buddhism.
The singular detailheavy beamstrength
A refined 18th-century Japanese print, perfect for art collectors.
Exquisite ukiyo-e print by Suzuki Harunobu depicting Kaga no Chiyo.
Lineages
Ukiyo-e48 · 1749–1891
Ukiyo-E27 · 1803–1845
Ukiyo E14 · 1794–1857
Japanese Ukiyo-e4 · 1814–1848
Ukiyo-e Tradition3 · 1830–1860
Where they live
New York keeps 5 of these originals; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 5.
Hokusai Museum
The Art Institute
Minneapolis Institute Arts
RISD Museum
The masters
1760–1849 · Japan · 30
Japanese ukiyo-e artist of powerful waves and landscapes rendered in bold, decisive lines, famous for his views of Mount Fuji.
1. The Great Wave off Kanagawa, 2. Femenine Wave, 4. Carp in Water, 5. Fuji, Mountains in Clear Weather (Red Fuji), 7. Kinoe no komatsu, 8. Cranes on pine tree, 12. Mishima pass in Kai province, 13. The Great Wave, 32. Sazai hall - 500 Rakan temples, 34. The Fuji seen from the Mishima pass, 40. Beauties of the Three Cities, 43. Poem by Bunya No Asayasu, 45. Black Lacquer Box, 46. Fuji in a Downpour, 53. Swords on Stand, 54. Two Crabs, 56. Fuji Blue, 57. A monster rat from the Raigo Ajari Kaisoden, 58. Senju in the Musachi provimce, 60. The Fifty-three Stations of the Tôkaidô Road, 63. Making Mochi, 65. Ningyo, 66. Woman Looking at Herself in a Mirror, 70. The Suspension Bridge Between Hida and Etchu, 71. View of Honmoku, 76. Hotei, the God of Good Fortune, 77. Travelling Nuns, 81. Chrysanthemum Spray, 88. Cherry Blossoms and Warbler, 89. Two Men Dining
1798–1861 · Japan · 23
Japanese ukiyo-e master of dynamic warrior prints and fantastical creatures, known for dramatic compositions and bold, expressive storytelling.
6. Yata Gorôemon Suketake, 18. Battle of Uji River, 23. Eight Hundred Heroes of Our Country, 26. Hatakeyama Shigetada, 27. The sailor Tokuso and the sea monster, 28. Oniwakamaru and the Giant Carp, 29. Tokiwa Gozen in the snow, 30. The suicide of morozumi Masakiyo, 31. Mongaku doing penace at the Nachi waterfall, 33. From Suikoden of Japanese Heroes, 35. Musashi on the back of a whale, 38. The young Benkei holding a pole, 39. Woman catching firefly by a stream, 41. Kotenrai Ryioshin loading a connon, 42. Women, 50. Senzaki Yagorô Noriyasu, 51. Katsuta Shin'emon Taketaka, 52. Ôboshi Rikiya Yoshikane, 68. Mitsukini Defying the Skeleton, 75. Scrbbling on the Storehouse Wall, 91. Kajiwara Genda Kagesue for Umegae, 96. Animals dyeing fabrics, 97. Roshi Ensei lifting a heavy beam
· Japan · 8
Sharaku was a master of ukiyo-e known for dynamic kabuki actor portraits.
17. Kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei, 36. Ichikawa Komazō III as Nitta Yoshisada, 37. Bandō Hikosaburō III as Obiya Chōemon, 49. Sawamura Sojuro III as Nagoya Sanza, 72. Sakata Hangorō III as Yahazu no Yahatei, 86. Actor Segawa Tomisaburo II & Ichikawa Kurizo, 90. Bandō Hikosaburō III as Kudōzaemon Suketsune, 94. Matsumoto Kōshirō IV as the hick spendthrift from Yamato
1797–1858 · Japan · 7
Japanese ukiyo-e master of poetic landscapes, known for atmospheric color gradations and evocative views of the Tōkaidō road and Edo.
3. Early Department from a Daimyo, 22. Awa Province: Whirlpool at Naruto, 25. 73 the City Flourishing, 48. Untitled (Two Rabbits, Pampas Grass, and Full Moon), 73. 113. Aoi Slope Outside Toranomon Gate, 80. 16. Flower Park and Dangozaka Slope in Sendagi, 83. 10. Sunrise at Kanda Myōjin Shrine
1839–1892 · Japan · 7
Japanese ukiyo-e printmaker of dramatic warrior scenes and psychological depth, known for his vivid bloody prints and lunar series.
9. Moon Over the Waters at Daimotsu Bay, 21. Woman with Iris, 61. Assassin Prince, 62. Hiratsuka, 79. A married woman in the Meiji Period, 82. Comic Picture, 93. Lin Chong
1724–1770 · Japan · 7
Japanese ukiyo-e innovator who revolutionized printmaking with full-color nishiki-e featuring delicate, thin figures in poetic settings.
10. Couple Beside a Plum Tree at Night, 44. Kiss, 67. Man Behind a Sliding Door Pulling the Kimono of a Woman on the Veranda, 92. The Seven Gods of Good Luck in the Floating World, 95. A Courtesan Wearing a Bathing Robe, 99. Potted Chrysanthemums and Full Moon, 100. Modern Representation of the Poetess Kaga No Chiyo
1753–1806 · Japan · 4
Japanese ukiyo-e master of bijin-ga, known for large-headed portraits of beautiful women with elongated features and delicate details.
16. Woman with a Mirror, 47. Amorous Couple, 64. Flowers, 98. Flowers of Edo
In confidence
Hover gently over a question to read the answer.
No. 1 is Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831). Next come Katsushika Hokusai's Femenine Wave (1830, Hokusai Museum), Utagawa Hiroshige's Early Department from a Daimyo (n.d., Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art) and Katsushika Hokusai's Carp in Water (1832, Bristol Museum - Art Gallery).
Katsushika Hokusai leads the ranking with 30 of the 100 paintings, including The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Femenine Wave and Carp in Water.
The 10 most famous Ukiyo E paintings are The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Katsushika Hokusai), Femenine Wave (Katsushika Hokusai), Early Department from a Daimyo (Utagawa Hiroshige), Carp in Water (Katsushika Hokusai), Fuji, Mountains in Clear Weather (Red Fuji) (Katsushika Hokusai), Yata Gorôemon Suketake (Utagawa Kuniyoshi), Kinoe no komatsu (Katsushika Hokusai), Cranes on pine tree (Katsushika Hokusai), Moon Over the Waters at Daimotsu Bay (Yoshitoshi) and Couple Beside a Plum Tree at Night (Suzuki Harunobu).
Start with New York (5), Nagasaki (1) and Washington, D.C. (1): together they hold 7 of the 100, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Bujalance Collection and the Hokusai Museum.
With 5 of the 100, the Metropolitan Museum of Art comes first, followed by the Bujalance Collection (2) and the Hokusai Museum (1); New York has 5 in all.
Ranked by the number of their works among the 100 most famous Ukiyo E paintings: Katsushika Hokusai (30), Utagawa Kuniyoshi (23), Sharaku (8), Utagawa Hiroshige (7) and Yoshitoshi (7).
The earliest is Yosa Buson's Woman Burning Incense (1749, Metropolitan Museum of Art) (1749); the latest, Shibata Zeshin's Deer and Bat (1891) (1891).
Katsushika Hokusai's Woman Looking at Herself in a Mirror (1805), 231 × 80 cm. The smallest is Shibata Zeshin's Kettle and Box with Paint Brushes (1882, Metropolitan Museum of Art), 12 × 9 cm.
96 of these 100 paintings are available hand-painted in oil, from $200, and 96 as a canvas print, from $58.
By recognition: Wikipedia articles in the most languages (Wikidata sitelinks), our manual ranking and page visits. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
One of a kind
96 of these works can be painted by hand for a single owner, from $200.
We went through every Ukiyo E painting in our catalogue and placed the best-known first: those Wikipedia describes in the most languages, those our artists and curators rank highest and those most viewed on our pages. Each original appears once — no details or copies.
Famous Impressionism paintings
Water Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintings
Las Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintings
Liberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintings
Nighthawks · Edward Hopper
Famous Post-Impressionism paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintings
The Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintings
The Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Neoclassicism paintings
Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Symbolism paintings
The Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintings
The Burial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintings
The Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
500–1000
Famous Early Medieval paintings
The Night Revels of Han Xizai · Gu Hongzhong
1000–1300
Famous High Medieval paintings
Crucifix · Cimabue
1300–1400
Famous Late Medieval paintings
Our Lady of the Don · Theophanes the Greek
1400–1600
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
1600–1800
Famous Early Modern paintings
The Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
1800–1900
Famous 19th Century paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
1900–1980
Famous Modern paintings
Guernica · Pablo Picasso
1980–
Famous Contemporary paintings
Girl with Balloon · Banksy
