FAQ About The Impact of Japanese Ukiyo-e Art on Western Art Movements
What initiated the massive Western fascination with Japanese culture, including Ukiyo-e?
The Western fascination with Japanese culture, including Ukiyo-e, began in earnest after Japan ended its isolationist policies in the mid-19th century. The Meiji Restoration opened Japan to international trade, allowing the exchange of art and culture. Exhibitions, such as the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris, showcased Japanese art, igniting enthusiasm and curiosity among Western artists and collectors.
