What are Japanese woodblock prints?

Japanese woodblock prints, which date back to the 8th century and are also known as ukiyo-e, are a traditional art form originally produced only in Buddhist monasteries to produce religious texts and images. In the 17th century, private studios began opening as woodblock prints became popular. To make a woodblock print, the artist creates a design on paper, and a wood carver places it on the block and carves the design. Each color requires its own woodblock, which are then covered with watercolors and printed on rice paper. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese woodblock prints from top sellers around the world.

Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?

Yes, some Japanese woodblock prints are valuable. Prices vary greatly, with some selling for hundreds of dollars and others fetching selling prices of over a million at auction. Makers have a big influence on the price, with prints from masters like Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro often having the greatest value. Other things that determine how much woodblock prints are worth include the quality of the image, the condition of the print, its age, its rarity and the demand among collectors. An expert appraiser or dealer can give you an estimate of the value of a particular print. Explore a selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?

To identify Japanese woodblock prints, try using the website Ukiyo-e Search. Simply snap a photo of your print and upload it to the site, which will then compare the image to its database of thousands of prints and quickly display the results. If you have difficulty identifying your print, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer who has experience with Japanese art. Shop a large selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?

To tell if a woodblock print is real, turn it over. Due to the processes used to produce woodblock prints, it is usually possible to see the ink bleeding through on the reverse side of an original print. Reproductions will not have this characteristic since they are made by machine. If you're still uncertain whether your print is an original, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer, as it can be very difficult to tell a convincing reprint apart from a real woodblock without proper training. Find a wide variety of woodblock prints on 1stDibs.

Framed Woodblock Prints

Japanese Mid Century Woodblock

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Framed Woodblock Prints For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are several options of framed woodblock prints available for sale. A selection of these works in the abstract, contemporary and Impressionist styles can be found today in our inventory. These items have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Framed woodblock prints available on 1stDibs span a range of colors that includes gray, beige, brown, white and more. These artworks have been a part of the life’s work for many artists, but the versions made by Salvador Dalí, Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), Carol Summers, John Moore and Isaac Sithole are consistently popular. Frequently made by artists working in woodcut print, paper and paint, all of these available pieces are unique and have attracted attention over the years. If space is limited, there are small framed woodblock prints measuring 0.1 across, while our inventory also includes pieces up to 140 inches across to better suit those in the market for large iterations.

How Much are Framed Woodblock Prints?

The average selling price for framed woodblock prints we offer is $971, while they’re typically $104 on the low end and $885,000 for the highest priced.

Questions About Framed Woodblock Prints

What are Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Japanese woodblock prints, which date back to the 8th century and are also known as ukiyo-e, are a traditional art form originally produced only in Buddhist monasteries to produce religious texts and images. In the 17th century, private studios began opening as woodblock prints became popular. To make a woodblock print, the artist creates a design on paper, and a wood carver places it on the block and carves the design. Each color requires its own woodblock, which are then covered with watercolors and printed on rice paper. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese woodblock prints from top sellers around the world.
Are Japanese woodblock prints valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
Yes, some Japanese woodblock prints are valuable. Prices vary greatly, with some selling for hundreds of dollars and others fetching selling prices of over a million at auction. Makers have a big influence on the price, with prints from masters like Hiroshige, Hokusai and Kitagawa Utamaro often having the greatest value. Other things that determine how much woodblock prints are worth include the quality of the image, the condition of the print, its age, its rarity and the demand among collectors. An expert appraiser or dealer can give you an estimate of the value of a particular print. Explore a selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Japanese woodblock prints?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
To identify Japanese woodblock prints, try using the website Ukiyo-e Search. Simply snap a photo of your print and upload it to the site, which will then compare the image to its database of thousands of prints and quickly display the results. If you have difficulty identifying your print, use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer who has experience with Japanese art. Shop a large selection of Japanese woodblock prints on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a woodblock print is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if a woodblock print is real, turn it over. Due to the processes used to produce woodblock prints, it is usually possible to see the ink bleeding through on the reverse side of an original print. Reproductions will not have this characteristic since they are made by machine. If you're still uncertain whether your print is an original, experts recommend consulting a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer, as it can be very difficult to tell a convincing reprint apart from a real woodblock without proper training. Find a wide variety of woodblock prints on 1stDibs.