Colours of the « images of the floating world ». non-invasive analyses of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints (18th and 19th centuries) and new contributions to the insight of oriental materials

Abstract In the Edo (1615–1868) and Meiji (1868–1912) periods, Japanese woodblock prints were a commercial form of art that reproduced the everyday life of ordinary people (the ukiyo-e style). Since different dyes and pigments were used to produce these prints, changing over time, the knowledge of these materials can be very important for the history and the conservation of ukiyo-e prints. This study will present the results of the investigation of several woodblock prints, produced between the 18th and 19th centuries. The artworks belong to the Asian art collection at the Museum of Zaragoza (Spain). The aim of the study is the identification of organic colorants and inorganic pigments empl…