A Guide to Japanese Prints and Their Subject Matter

Basil Stewart’s A Guide to Japanese Prints and Their Subject Matter remains one of the most widely referenced introductions to Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) and their rich visual traditions. First published in 1922 and reprinted numerous times, Stewart’s guide provides detailed explanations of subject matter, iconography, and artists within the world of Japanese prints, covering both the Edo and Meiji periods.

With 274 illustrations, including many reproductions of classic works, this volume is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in Japanese art, print collecting, or Asian visual culture. Stewart explores myths, legends, historical figures, and genre scenes, making the book both scholarly and highly accessible.

Perfect for collectors, students, or anyone fascinated by Japanese art history, this book remains a standard reference almost a century after its first publication.