Japanese Woodblock Print Search

(ukiyo-e.org)

168 points | by curmudgeon22 14 hours ago

13 comments

  • jeresig 13 hours ago
    Thank you for sharing my site! I built this a number of years ago as I was starting to learn about Japanese prints. I wanted a single place where I could find them across all of the various museums and universities that hold them. I use computer vision analysis to cluster prints together (using TinEye). A bunch more technical details from the last time this was posted: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18344979

    I’m working on a new site now that’s focused on prints that are for sale from dealers and auctions. Much more technically complex as it needs to be continuously updated. Hope to have a public beta soon!

  • PacificSpecific 12 hours ago
    Wow 2 ukiyo-e threads in 24 hours. This is really cool.

    I posted that there was a museum in kurashiki in the other thread but neglected to post a link. For anyone interested here it is https://ukiyo-e-kurashiki.jp/?lang=en

  • miduil 8 hours ago
    Wow, that's wonderful. There is a store that sells original Woodblock prints in Vienna, close to the Opera. Every time I'm passing by I take a few moments to look and reflect on those prints, it's great recognizing some on this website now.
    • kehvyn 5 hours ago
      I know exactly which store you're talking about, and I couldn't resist going in the one time I was in Vienna. It's a great store.
  • S0und 8 hours ago
    If you're interested in the topic someone is streaming the whole process: https://www.twitch.tv/japaneseprintmaking
    • zimpenfish 7 hours ago
      Would highly recommend Dave Bull's YouTube channel as well - https://youtube.com/@seseragistudio
    • nvalis 6 hours ago
      I took a class at his workshop in Tokyo and highly recommend the experience. So much thought and detail goes into preparing the wood blocks and even into "just" printing them.
  • dang 12 hours ago
    One past thread:

    Japanese Woodblock Print Search - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18344979 - Oct 2018 (29 comments)

    (Reposts are fine after a year or so; links to past threads are just to satisfy extra-curious readers)

  • abetusk 13 hours ago
    This is pretty amazing.

    Surprisingly [0]:

    > Ukiyo-e.org was created by John Resig ...

    [0] https://ukiyo-e.org/about

  • Duanemclemore 9 hours ago
    Bookmarked for constant reference. As a designer, Japanese printmaking is a constant source of inspiration, and the effort that went into putting this together is pretty astounding. Thank you to the author for the hard work, and to the OP for surfacing it!
  • zactato 13 hours ago
    Pretty sure this was made by John Resig, the creator of jQuery.

    I used to be friends with him back in the day and he described wanting to do something like this. He was/is a passionate dude.

  • andeee23 10 hours ago
    kawase hasui is hands down the best to ever do it

    he does trees and foliage in s very special way

    • kehvyn 5 hours ago
      A fellow Shin Hanga-era fan! There are dozens of us!

      Hasui is excellent, but Shiro Kasamatsu is my undisputed favorite. Something about the way he does buildings, and the dramatic colors, is exactly aimed at me.

    • chickensong 6 hours ago
      No argument there.

      For fans of California and the Bay Area, Tom Killion is a local hero as well.

      • gyomu 4 hours ago
        Check out Chiura Obata. His Yosemite prints are stunning.
    • keiferski 8 hours ago
      Agreed, he is my favorite as well. There is something so cinematic about every one of his images.
  • thrownaway561 7 hours ago
    For those that don't know, this site was made by John Resig, yes, the same dude that invented jQuery.