Ukiyo-e is a traditional style of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868). Hand-painted works and mass-produced woodblock prints depict urban life, popular entertainment, landscapes, and other aspects of Japanese culture.
The word ukiyo-e translates to "pictures of the floating world," adapted from a Buddhist term, ukiyo, referring to the transience of life. Ukiyo-e prints often feature bold outlines, flat areas of vibrant color, and unconventional perspectives. Common subjects include Kabuki actors, fashionable women, scenic views, and famous landmarks. This art style inspired Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters like Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas.