浮世絵 Ukiyo-e: Japanese woodblock prints

Ukiyo-e 浮世絵 or "floating world" is a genre of Japanese art popularly used to depict life during the peaceful Edo period (17th to 19th century).

In this rare and significant collection of woodblock-printed books, stories of love, adventure and tea ceremonies are featured in the illustrated works of renowned artists 歌川国貞 Utagawa Kunisada II, 丹羽桃渓 Niwa Tōkei and 柳下亭種員 Ryūkatei Tanekazu among others.

The Library holds several Ukiyo-e, including:

Access these items

Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) can be accessed by staff, students and academics (using existing University credentials), as well as the general public (by registering for a free RBSC community membership). 

The items in this collection can be located in the Library catalogue. Make a request to view an item, under "more options" (at least 2 business days in advance). Then visit the Rare Books and Special Collections Reading Room during opening hours to view.

Items in this collection have also been digitised. View and download scans through the Digital Collections website: 浮世絵 Ukiyo-e: Japanese woodblock prints

Teach with this item

The Library's extensive Rare Books and Special Collections are available to support research and education, through activities including: 

  • Academic-led classes
  • Library-led classes / Object Based Learning (OBL)
  • Using digitised content

More information on teaching options

  • Related information

    Japanese woodblock prints: artists, publishers, and masterworks, 1680-1900 戲劇月刋 = The theatre monthly Browse Special Collections

  • Contact

    Please email enquiries to cultural.collections@usyd.libanswers.com