ukiyo-e
The art of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), started in the cosmopolitan culture of Edo (Tokyo) during the era of Japanese history when bureaucratic and military power was in the hands of the shogun, and the nation was essentially secluded from the rest of the world. It is an art closely related to the pleasures of theatres, restaurants, geisha and courtesans in an ancient urban atmosphere. Numerous ukiyo-e woodblock prints by artisans like Utamaro and Sharaku were in fact posters, announcing theatre performances and brothels, or portraits of favorite actors and attractive teahouse girls.
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