Japanese Printing

Three Examples of Japanese Print

While the University's Rare East Asian Collection comprises more than 20,000 items, the overwhelming majority of them are based in Chinese culture. As a result, the last few years have seen the collection seek to further develop its holding of Japanese materials - primarily those of historical, aesthetic, and religious significance.

Since 2020, the collection has acquired a number of scrolls, monographs which study artistic works in depth, original woodblock prints, and examples of traditional binding techniques.

Exhibited works

  • Unknown (engraver)
    Japan, nd
    Xuanzang (translator)
    China, 602-664

    Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, vol. 192, 1285
    Woodblock
    Kasuga-ban, Japan

    Rare East Asian Collection  
    Purchased through the Garlick Memorial Fund, 2023

  • Shiba Kōkan (artist)
    Japan, 1747-1818

    Sumida River, c. 1771
    Woodblock

    Rare East Asian Collection  
    Purchased through the Library Endowment Trust, 2023

  • Utagawa Kunisada (artist)
    Japan, 1786-1865
    Hori Take (Yokokawa Takejiro) (engraver)
    Japan, active mid-1800s
    Ebisuya Shoshichi (Kinshodo) (publisher)
    Japan, active c. 1846-1883

    Scene from Onbōbori: Yotsuya Ghost Story, 1861
    Woodblock, triptych

    Rare East Asian Collection  
    Purchased through the Library Endowment Trust, 2023