Why Japanese Prints Remain Coveted Collectibles

This enduring art form, which captured the imagination of 19th-century audiences and inspired generations of Western artists, remains one of the most accessible — and undervalued — sectors in the art market today.

Lot 2. A Japanese Woodblock Print by Hiroshige (1797 – 1858).

Value: Original Art Within Reach

While early impressions or rare series can command significant prices, the vast majority of 19th-century Japanese prints remain affordable, offering outstanding value for collectors. Original prints by renowned artists such as Hiroshige, Kunisada, or Kuniyoshi can often be acquired for under £200,  a fraction of what comparable works in Western or Chinese art might fetch.

Because the craftsmanship of these prints, from hand-carved woodblocks to subtle ink layering, is rarely matched by modern methods, their long-term collectability and value are only set to rise.

Lot 26. A Japanese Woodblock Print by Hasui Kawase (1883 – 1957).

Variety: A Subject for Every Collector

Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) span a remarkable range of themes: from the serenity of rural landscapes and the changing seasons, to vibrant depictions of kabuki theatre, folklore, legendary warriors, and scenes of everyday life.

20th-century artists continued these traditions using classic techniques, but often captured modern subjects, making them especially appealing to today’s collectors.

Lot 49. A group of nine Japanese Woodblock Prints by Kunisada and others.

History: A Cultural Time Capsule

As Yasuko Kido, Japanese Art Specialist, aptly puts it: “Each print has a story to tell.”

Woodblock prints from the Edo period (1603–1868) reflect a rich and complex society — infused with popular culture, including sumo, pleasure districts, and kabuki drama. Meiji-era prints, meanwhile, often depict moments from Russo-Japanese and Sino-Japanese wars, offering a compelling visual history of Japan’s transformation.

Lot 36. Two framed Japanese prints by Hiroshige and Kunisada.

Beauty: Art that Inspired the Impressionists

With their bold outlines, flat colour planes, and intimate human scenes, Japanese woodblock prints had a profound influence on European artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas. Their aesthetic still resonates today, portraying universal moments, a mother feeding her baby, travellers resting under cherry blossoms, with elegance and calm clarity.

Lot 9. A Japanese Woodblock Print by Hiroshige. 

International Appeal: Compact, Collectable, Enduring

Typically measuring around 25 x 35 cm, these prints are not only easy to store and display, but often part of series — encouraging collectors to hunt for complete sets. Admired by museum curators, academic circles, and global collectors alike, Japanese woodblock prints enjoy enduring international appeal.

Interested in Japanese Art or Prints?

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into Asian decorative art, original Japanese woodblock prints offer beauty, history, and accessibility in equal measure. With a growing global market, now is the ideal time to start or expand your collection — or to explore the potential value of prints you already own.

To receive a complimentary valuation of your Japanese or Asian artworks, please contact:
Asian Art Department
asian@chiswickauctions.co.uk