Why Japanese Prints Remain Coveted Collectibles

This enduring art form, which captivated 19th-century audiences and influenced generations of Western artists, remains one of the most accessible and undervalued sectors of the art market today.

A Japanese Woodblock Print by Hiroshige (1797 – 1858).

Value: Original Art Within Reach

While early impressions or rare series can achieve significant prices, the majority of 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints offer exceptional value. Original works by artists such as Hiroshige, Kunisada, or Kuniyoshi are often available for under £200, offering an affordable entry point for collectors.

Each print reflects a remarkable level of craftsmanship, from hand-carved woodblocks to the delicate layering of ink. These qualities, difficult to replicate through modern production, continue to underpin their long-term collectability and appeal.

A Japanese Woodblock Print by Hasui Kawase (1883 – 1957).

Variety: A Subject for Every Collector

Japanese woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e, span an extraordinary range of themes. Rural landscapes, seasonal changes, folklore, legendary heroes and actors of the kabuki stage all feature in these vivid and expressive works.

Later 20th-century printmakers, such as Hasui Kawase, upheld these techniques while responding to more contemporary themes, creating a bridge between past and present that appeals to today’s collectors.

 A group of nine Japanese Woodblock Prints by Kunisada and others.

History: A Cultural Time Capsule

Prints from the Edo period (1603–1868) offer a fascinating view into Japanese life, capturing everything from bustling pleasure districts to elegant portrayals of daily routines. In the Meiji era, artists turned to scenes of political change and modernisation, often documenting moments from military conflicts such as the Russo-Japanese War.

Two framed Japanese prints by Hiroshige and Kunisada.

Beauty: Art That Inspired the Impressionists

Japanese prints had a transformative effect on European art in the 19th century. Their bold outlines, minimal perspective, and emphasis on form and pattern influenced artists like Van Gogh, Monet and Degas. These qualities continue to resonate today, as collectors seek out the quiet poetry of a figure beneath cherry blossoms, or the stillness of travellers in a landscape.

 A Japanese Woodblock Print by Hiroshige. 

International Appeal: Compact, Collectable, Enduring

Measuring around 25 x 35 cm, these prints are easy to display and collect. Many are part of sets or narrative series, offering the joy of discovery as collectors work to complete a group. With a global audience that includes museum curators, scholars and enthusiasts, Japanese prints continue to draw admiration across generations and continents.

Interested in Japanese Prints or Asian Art?

Whether you're starting a collection or have works you'd like valued, the Asian Art Department at Chiswick Auctions is here to help. We offer complimentary valuations and expert advice on all areas of Japanese and Asian art.

Contact the team today:
Email: asian@chiswickauctions.co.uk

Let us help you uncover the story behind your prints or guide your collecting journey with confidence.