Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e is the dual publication created from my written dissertation ‘An Exploration into the Depiction of Idealisation Presented in Ukiyo-e Prints in Japan Throughout the 17th-19th Century’. The outcome revolves around a dual publication; with one side of the publication focused on the dissertation and the other on the Ukiyo-e prints which are the main subject of the dissertation. This book itself is able to be reversed/flipped with each side acting as a front cover to the dissertation or print side of the book. The cover of the print side of the publication is a woodblock print, which can then itself be removed, for the reader to then use to create their own woodblock prints. Each print included is also printed on handmade Japanese washi paper and can be removed to be used as posters; mimicking the commercial use of traditional Ukiyo-e prints. Every element of the publication from its selection of typeface to its page format and layout is based on the dissertation topic itself along with being deeply rooted in Japanese traditional design, in combination with modern elements. This was with the aim to create a hybrid of both aesthetics, drawing in an audience who could not only visually enjoy the publication but could tangibly enjoy it, aligning with the initial commercial value of Ukiyo-e prints.