the adachi contemporary ukiyoe award

The Adachi Foundation was established in 1994 to preserve the techniques of Japanese woodcut printing and pass on such distinct techniques for the future generations. “The Adachi Contemporary Ukiyoe Award” is the project of the Adachi foundation to explore ukiyo-e artists in 21st century who work for Japanese traditional woodcut printing to introduce its very unique techniques and new possibilities to the world.

Ukiyo-e existed as one of mass communication methods like newspapers or magazines in the Edo era (1603-1867). Ukiyo-e artist (Eshi) needed to know current trends and popularities among the people to draw what could make people get excited. We expect to discover the contemporary artists who can draw now on their works through this award and the prize winners will be given an opportunity to produce their works into a woodcut print with contemporary carvers and printers!