Welcome to  Mysterious Japanese Prints

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese prints and explore the mysteries that surround them. Discover how these works of art relate to Japan's rich and complex history.

LE VAILLANT JIRAIYA

Le kabuki est une forme d'art théâtral populaire au Japon. Il était joué dans des théâtres spécifiques, particulièrement adaptés aux scénarios héroïques, magiques et surnaturels grâce à leur équipement scénique spécifique (trappes, ascenseurs, décor rotatif…). Plusieurs centaines de pièces de kabuki, vivantes et dramatiques, furent proposées au public urbain d'Edo, d'Osaka et de Kyoto durant l'époque d'Edo. Les scènes les plus glamour étaient dessinées par des graveurs sur bois, puis imprimées et vendues en grand nombre. Le Conte du vaillant Jiraya est l'une de ses pièces les plus célèbres.

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THE GALLANT JIRAIYA

Kabuki is a popular Japanese theatrical art form which was played in specific playhouses well suited to heroic, magic and supernatural screenplays because of their specific scenic equipment (hatches, elevators, rotating set…). Several hundred lively and dramatic Kabuki plays were proposed to an urban public in Edo, Osaka and Kyoto during the Edo era. The most glamorous scenes were drawn by woodblock artists, and printed and sold in large numbers.  

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ESTAMPES SATIRIQUES JAPONAISES ET LA GUERRE DE BOSHIN DE 1868

La guerre civile de Boshin n'était pas populaire auprès du peuple japonais, et de nombreuses estampes satiriques non autorisées furent produites. Découvrez les différentes méthodes employées par les graveurs sur bois pour dissimuler et révéler l'identité des groupes combattants, et approfondissez votre compréhension de ces œuvres d'art uniques dans l'histoire japonaise !

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JAPANESE SATIRIC PRINTS AND THE 1868 BOSHIN WAR

The Boshin civil war was unpopular with the Japanese people, and many unauthorized satiric prints were produced. Discover the different ways woodblock artists used to both hide and reveal identities of fighting groups, and reach a deeper understanding of this special art work, unique in Japanese history!

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THE CRAZE FOR BANZUKE (ranking charts) IN 19th CENTURY JAPAN

Inside the many different types of woodblock prints, this blog intends to introduce the specific case of the ranking charts known as Banzuke. These prints appeared in the 19th century to announce the Japanese wresting tournament (Sumo) but the layout was also quickly diverted to publish many types of ranking.

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Who are we ?

Mysterious Japanese Prints is a blog dedicated to the discovery and understanding of Japanese prints. Our team of experts conducts in-depth investigations to understand these artistic treasures and connect them to Japanese history. Join us on this fascinating adventure !

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