Figures Prints (1669)
Figure compositions are among the most diverse subjects in Japanese printmaking, encompassing everything from intimate domestic scenes to grand historical narratives. The tradition spans the full history of ukiyo-e, from Moronobu's pioneering single-sheet prints of the 1670s to contemporary figure studies that blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. In the ukiyo-e era, figure prints often depicted courtesans, actors, and townspeople of Edo's pleasure quarters, capturing the fashions, gestures, and social dynamics of urban life. The shin-hanga movement brought a more contemplative approach, with artists like Ito Shinsui creating elegant figure studies that emphasized mood and atmosphere over narrative action. Sosaku-hanga artists pursued more experimental figure work, from Onchi Koshiro's abstract portraits to Sekino Jun'ichiro's bold character studies. Figure prints in the Japanese tradition are notable for their attention to textile patterns, body language, and the suggestion of inner life through subtle compositional choices. Whether depicting a single standing figure or a complex multi-figure narrative, these works reveal the printmaker's skill in translating human presence into the woodblock medium.
Artists Known for Figures
Picture of ‘White Stripe in the Waves’ Zhang Shun and ‘Black Whirlwind’ Li Kui Fighting in the Water
After February 1887
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Sugaya Kuemon
1868, 8th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Suzuki Sujaku
Woodblock print
Tanabata
1912
Color woodcut
The Old Hag of the Lonely House
1872, 11th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
An Unfortunate Tale, II
before 1870
The Third Princess and Kashiwagi, from Chapter 34, “New Herbs I (Wakana I)” (Nihon shinnō onna sannomiya)
1890
Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Picture of Major General Tatsumi Comfortably Sleeping with the Powerful Enemy before His Eyes
1895
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Shioda Matanojo Takanori 潮田又之丞高教 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Before the Stove
Woodblock print
Emperor Yurako hunting at Mount Katsuragi
Woodblock print
Hazama Jujiro Mitsuoki 間十次郎光興 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Hara Soemon Mototoki 原惣右衛門元辰 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Yamauba with Kintarô Holding a Toy Mask
Woodblock print
Takiyasha-hime
1867
Iwata Sentaro Famous Works Collection - 岩田専太郎名作画集
Woodblock print
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
1876
Woodblock print
Abe Hirafu
February 1880
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Madaramaru
1867
Left: Kurikara Kengorō; right: Hohodemi-no-mikoto
1867, 8th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Iwami Jūtarō Kanesuke
1865, 6th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Second Shogun, Lord Daitoku-inden Hidetada
1875
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Sixth Act
1860, 4th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
The Last of Kagoshima Rebellion
1877
Woodblock print
God of Wealth Daikokuten�fs Lucky Drawing
Woodblock print
Richard Kruml
Woodblock print
Kagoshima senki
Woodblock print
Utagawa Toyokuni (KAWANABE Kyosai / UTAGAWA Toyokuni III)
Woodblock print
A court lady holding a folding-fan, from
Woodblock print
Kagoshima kenka koutotsu kawatake saku no zu 鹿児島縣下甲突川竹柵之図
Woodblock print
Public Appearances of Shōgun
1897
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
toyohara-chikanobu
Woodblock print
Shirakami Genjirō …
1895
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
A Father And His Son
Woodblock print
A Man Skiing (Sukii no otoko)
1955
Color woodblock print; edition 10/50
Man with an Ice-ax
1954
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Midnight - Ichimokushu Vol 6
Woodblock print
Harimaze
Woodblock print
Kato Kiyomasa gaining meritorious war service at Shizugatake
Woodblock print
Third Act
1860, 4th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
11, Chikamatsu Kanroku Minamoto Yukishige
1868, 6th lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Tying on Tanzaku
early 20th century
Color woodblock print
Inuzuka Shino and Inukai Genpachi
April 1873
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Land of the Pygmies (Kojin koku)
Fifth month of 1863
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Kō Musashi-no-kami Moronao
second half 1860s
Preparatory drawing for a print, ink and color on paper
Picture of Masakiyo Conqering Korea
1864, 3rd lunar month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Untitled (Part of a Triptych: A Woman being Shot by Arrows)
1889
Woodblock print
A comic picture titled
Woodblock print
Emperor Meiji in Western Dress
Woodblock print
Meiji shoshi nenkai kiji
Woodblock print
Tenna era, from
Woodblock print
Picture of Second Lieutenant Ōmori Skillfully Protecting the Regimental Banner at Seongyoli
September 1895
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Okuda Sadaemon Yukitaka 奥田貞右衛門行高 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Sergeant First-Class Yokoi ...
March 1895
Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Takebayashi Tadashichi Takashige 武林唯七隆重 / Gishi Shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Yada Goroemon Suketake 矢田五郎右衛門助武 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Azechi Umetaro (Azechi Umetaro_)
Woodblock print
Chushingura
Woodblock print
Horsemanship: Magaki Heikuro
Woodblock print
Kayano Wasuke Tsunenari 茅野和助常成 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Related Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Figure compositions are among the most diverse subjects in Japanese printmaking, encompassing everything from intimate domestic scenes to grand historical narratives. The tradition spans the full history of ukiyo-e, from Moronobu's pioneering single-sheet prints of the 1670s to contemporary figure studies that blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Ogata Gekko, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi are among the artists most associated with figures in our collection. Browse the full list of artists who explored this subject above.
Hanga currently catalogues 1669 prints tagged with figures, spanning ukiyo-e, shin-hanga, and sōsaku-hanga traditions where applicable.