Yamato-e

大和絵

Classical Japanese painting traditions that developed from the Heian period, emphasizing native subjects and aesthetics as distinct from Chinese-influenced styles. Ukiyo-e inherited compositional elements from yamato-e, including seasonal imagery and narrative techniques.

Related Terms

Yakusha-e

役者絵

Actor prints depicting kabuki performers in their famous roles. The most popular genre of ukiyo-e, yakusha-e functioned as celebrity portraits, theatre advertisements, and collectible merchandise.

Yoko-e

横絵

Horizontal-format prints, with the oban sheet turned sideways. This orientation was particularly effective for landscape compositions and was used extensively by Hokusai and Hiroshige.

Yoshitoshi

芳年

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), the last great master of ukiyo-e, whose dramatic, often violent imagery bridged traditional woodblock printing and modern illustration. His 'One Hundred Aspects of the Moon' and 'New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts' remain celebrated masterpieces.

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