HOKUEI: MASTERPIECES OF JAPANESE ACTOR P Format: Hardcover

The ultimate publication on Shunbaisai Hokuei, the master of Osaka ukiyo-e printmakers and one of the most intriguing artists ever in kabuki-actor prints.

Hokuei: Master of Osaka Kabuki Prints profiles one of the most intriguing artists ever in kabuki-actor design: Shunbaisai Hokuei (active 1828–1836). A culminating figure in Osaka printmaking, Hokuei produced more masterworks than any other artist of his day. The book presents the artist’s life and work, situating his oeuvre within the demimonde of pleasure and entertainment known as the Floating World (Ukiyo). The world of kabuki comes alive in fascinating detail, while assessments of design and technical attributes bring into focus the achievements of Hokuei and printmaking artisans of his age. The book includes a fully illustrated and annotated catalogue raisonné of 270 prints — the artist’s entire known print oeuvre — including designs not to be found anywhere else. The range of comprehensive information featured in this publication make it a singular reference not only for admirers of Hokuei, but also for those interested in the world of actors on stage.

John Fiorillo is an independent researcher and writer on traditional and modern Japanese prints, with a particular interest in Kamigata-e (“Osaka prints”) and Sōsaku Hanga (“Creative prints”). Over time, he came to especially love and admire the actor prints produced in Osaka, a genre often overlooked by collectors and scholars. Mr. Fiorillo has regularly published in the art journal Andon (Society for Japanese Art, Leiden), contributed to the Hotei Encyclopedia of Japanese Woodblock Prints (2005), and designed and written extensive articles for the websites “ViewingJapanesePrints.net" (since 1999) and “OsakaPrints.com" (since 2005). Mr. Fiorillo also serves as a member of the Andon editorial board.