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''Ukiyo-e'' is a genre of Japanese [[painting]] and [[woodblock printing|woodblock prints]], comprising a number of closely related styles, which formed one of the core genres of [[Edo period]] popular art. The term literally means "pictures of the [[floating world]]," and ''ukiyo-e'' images generally depict elements of urban commoner culture, especially [[kabuki]] actors, courtesans and other beautiful women, sumo wrestlers, and [[meisho|famous places]] around [[Edo]] and elsewhere.

''Ukiyo-e'' is a genre of Japanese [[painting]] and [[woodblock printing|woodblock prints]], comprising a number of closely related styles, which formed one of the core genres of [[Edo period]] popular art. The term literally means "pictures of the [[floating world]]," and ''ukiyo-e'' images generally depict elements of urban commoner culture, especially [[kabuki]] actors, courtesans and other beautiful women, sumo wrestlers, and [[meisho|famous places]] around [[Edo]] and elsewhere.

One of the key concepts at the heart of the ''ukiyo-e'' aesthetic is the ephemeral nature both of the art itself and of its subjects. The notion of the "floating world" speaks primarily of ephemeral, short-lived experiences in the entertainment districts of the city, a beauty and enjoyment which is fleeting. While ''ukiyo-e'' paintings remained expensive objects which were meant to be kept and cherished, the nature of the medium of the woodblock print, along with mass production, allowed ''ukiyo-e'' prints to be produced and sold quite cheaply. While only the more wealthy merchants, and other elites, could generally afford to commission paintings, prints were available to the general masses. They were collectibles, but also ephemeral souveniers of one's experiences in the theatre or other entertainment districts of the city.

One of the key concepts at the heart of the ''ukiyo-e'' aesthetic is the ephemeral nature both of the art itself and of its subjects. The notion of the "floating world" speaks primarily of ephemeral, short-lived experiences in the entertainment districts of the city, a beauty and enjoyment which is fleeting. While ''ukiyo-e'' paintings remained expensive objects which were meant to be kept and cherished, the nature of the medium of the woodblock print, along with mass production, allowed ''ukiyo-e'' prints to be produced and sold quite cheaply. While only the more wealthy merchants, and other elites, could generally afford to commission paintings, prints were available to the general masses. They were collectibles, but also ephemeral souveniers of one's experiences in the theatre or other entertainment districts of the city. Some people are known to have pasted prints up on the walls, to enhance the decor, while others kept their prints in a box, or mounted in albums.<ref>Christine Guth, ''Art of Edo Japan'', Yale University Press (1996), 99.</ref>

The genre originated in the late 17th century, reached its climax around 100 years later, and continued into the [[Meiji period]], declining and coming to an end shortly after the turn of the 20th century.

The genre originated in the late 17th century, reached its climax around 100 years later, and continued into the [[Meiji period]], declining and coming to an end shortly after the turn of the 20th century.