Ukiyo-e
Our larger-sized "Ukiyo-e" printed silk pocket squares have been designed by our talented Japanese artist, Yusuke Aoki.
Meaning "pictures of the floating world", Ukiyo-e woodblock prints depicted quintessential life & culture in Japan. Much like Japan today, these designs emanate a fusion of tradition with modern elements.
This series of prints adopts the theme of nature; iconic to Japan, and entertainment; including traditional Japanese theatre, along with a nod to the late actor, Toshiro Mifune, who appeared in numerous samurai motion pictures.
With meticulous detail and a plethora of hues, these pocket squares will have multiple uses for your attire, and will certainly be the talking point at any occasion.
Ukiyo-e originally flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries in Japan, an era also known as the Edo Period. Beginning in the capital city, Edo, what is now Tokyo, these prints were produced for the rising merchant class, whose newfound wealth meant they were able to indulge in decorative prints.
These works, in the form of woodblock prints and paintings, depicted typical scenes from Japanese life, as well as mythological and spiritual themes, the Kabuki theatre, the natural world and even erotica. Originally produced in a monochromatic style, later colour prints are perhaps the most well known today; for example, Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa or Hiroshige’s The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō.
Japanese woodblock printing underwent something of a revival in the 20th century, with rising awareness worldwide of the beauty and artistic value of the style. In fact, Ukiyo-e has been instrumental in defining Japanese art to Western audiences, where the depiction of traditional life and aesthetics has been of great fascination.
From the depictions of geisha and samurai, to the Noh and Kabuki theatrical elements, Ukiyo-e prints provide something of a potted history of Japan to a Western audience, with much mystery and romance attached. As huge fans of the prints at Cravat Club, it’s only right that we look to them as a source of inspiration for our pocket squares, helping you to express your signature style with flair.