Woodblock Images

Edo woodblock images were prints of original paintings. Once a painting was complete, the artist carved the major lines and details of the painting into a flat wooden block. Paints were applied to the woodblock, which was then pressed onto canvas paper, creating a print of the original painting which was inexpensive.

Famous woodblock images of Edo period recorded scenes of nature and the lives of commoners in their daily activity. Woodblock images were not considered as art because they were mass produced and the original artist didn't have highly develop techniques. Today, many woodblock artists of the period are highly respected by art historians.