The Vivid Spectrum: Exploring the Colors of Ukiyo-e
When one imagines Japan, the mind often drifts to the striking imagery of The Great Wave off Kanagawa or the subtle gradients of a rainy night in Edo. These images belong to the genre of Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world.” While the composition of these woodblock prints is masterful, it is the evolution of their colors—from monochromatic black ink to the dazzling distinct blue of Hokusai—that truly defines the emotional landscape of Japanese art history.
For the culture-focused traveler, understanding the “Colors of Ukiyo-e” unlocks a deeper appreciation of Japan’s visual heritage, revealing a story of innovation, trade, and symbolic depth.
Origins: From Ink to Brocade
The history of Ukiyo-e is a journey from simplicity to complexity. In the early Edo period (17th century), prints were exclusively Sumizuri-e (monochromatic ink prints). If a collector wanted color, it had to be painstakingly applied by hand (hand-coloring), usually in limited hues of orange (tan-e) or pink (beni-e).
The true revolution occurred in 1765 with the invention of Nishiki-e, or “brocade pictures.” Credited largely to the artist Suzuki Harunobu, this technique allowed for full-color printing using multiple woodblocks—one for each distinct color. This technological leap required immense precision. A distinct “kento” (registration mark) system was developed to ensure that layers of vegetable dyes and mineral pigments aligned perfectly. Suddenly, the “floating world” was awash in vibrant greens, soft pinks, and deep purples, democratizing art for the merchant class of Edo.
The Legend of Prussian Blue and Mythological Hues
The colors in Ukiyo-e were never merely decorative; they were steeped in stories, trade, and mythology.
The Blue Revolution
Perhaps the most famous color legend in Ukiyo-e history involves Prussian Blue (bero-ai). Before the 1830s, Japanese blue pigments derived from dayflower petals or indigo would fade quickly or lacked vibrancy. When synthetic Prussian Blue was imported from Europe via Dutch traders, it revolutionized the landscape genre. Katsushika Hokusai was among the first to master this durable, deep pigment. It is said that without this imported “legendary” blue, his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji would never have achieved the atmospheric depth that captivated the world.
Colors of the Gods
The application of color was also heavily influenced by the mythology found in ancient texts. Red (beni), derived from safflower, was believed to possess talismanic powers to ward off evil spirits and diseases like smallpox. This belief stems from ancient folklore rooted in texts like the Nihon Shoki, where specific deities and demons were associated with distinct auras. Consequently, “Red Prints” (aka-e) were often sold not just as art, but as charms for protection. The fierce reds used in depicting Kabuki actors or mythological demons were chosen to evoke the raw, spiritual power described in Japan’s foundational legends.
Modern Culture: The Flat Style Legacy
The legacy of Ukiyo-e colors resonates loudly in modern Japan. The aesthetic of “Superflat,” coined by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, draws a direct line from the two-dimensional, vibrant color fields of Ukiyo-e to modern Manga and Anime.
Today’s graphic designers and digital artists in Tokyo often utilize traditional color palettes—such as toki-iro (ibis pink) or moegi (sprout green)—to evoke a sense of “Japaneseness.” Furthermore, the tattoo industry (Irezumi) relies heavily on the gradient shading techniques (known as bokashi) perfected by Edo-period printers to create depth on the skin, proving that the “floating world” has anchored itself firmly in pop culture.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeing the Colors
If you are planning a trip to Japan, viewing authentic Ukiyo-e is a must. However, because the vegetable-based dyes are extremely sensitive to light, museums rotate their collections frequently.
- Sumida Hokusai Museum (Tokyo): Located in Ryogoku, this modern architectural gem is dedicated to Hokusai. It offers excellent interactive exhibits on how the colors were layered.
- Ota Memorial Museum of Art (Harajuku): A small, tranquil museum with one of the finest collections of Ukiyo-e in the world.
- Jimbocho Book Town: If you wish to buy an original or a high-quality reproduction, head to the antique bookstores in Jimbocho. Look for the saturation of the colors; authentic Edo prints often show signs of wood grain and the pigment soaking into the washi paper.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the intersection of Japanese history and art, the following texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): To understand the mythological subjects and gods often depicted in Ukiyo-e prints.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For historical context on the imperial court and folklore that influenced the symbolic use of colors like red and purple.
- Marks, Andreas. Japanese Woodblock Prints: Artists, Publishers and Masterworks.
- Guth, Christine. Art of Edo Japan: The Artist and the City.