How to Identify and Date a Japanese Woodblock Print
Since we have been in the gallery business, some of the most common questions we get are:
“My family member just died and I found these Japanese prints — what are they and are they worth anything?” or, “I just bought this Japanese print at a garage sale — is it original, and who is the artist?”
These are great questions — but unfortunately not simple ones to answer.
Since the introduction of woodblock printing to Japan from China in the 1600s, millions of different print designs have been created by thousands of artists and hundreds of publishers. Identifying and dating a Japanese woodblock print can be quite complex, even for experienced collectors. This guide walks through the main identification methods, available resources, and practical steps for learning more about a print.
Distinguishing Woodblock Prints from Reproductions and Paintings
The first question to answer is whether the piece is an authentic woodblock print rather than a modern reproduction or painting. Paintings typically show visible brushstrokes and variations in ink thickness and opacity, and may be rendered on silk rather than paper.
If the print is framed, it should be removed carefully to examine both front and back. This process requires caution due to sharp materials like nails and glass, as well as the risk of damaging the print. Beveled mats may be glued to prints, and backing boards are sometimes firmly adhered. If a print is solidly glued to backing, removal should be left to art restoration specialists.
Several characteristics distinguish authentic woodblock prints from modern reproductions. Reproductions typically appear on thin white paper with flat or glossy inks. Authentic woodblock prints were printed on washi, a special handmade Japanese paper that is usually thicker with visible fibers and patterns when held to light.
A magnifying glass or close-up phone photograph can reveal dot patterns characteristic of modern reproductions. Authentic prints should not display these mechanical printing patterns.
Below is a closeup of the above print, showing the dot pattern of a modern lithographic reproduction.
Examining the back of a print provides additional clues. Ink bleed-through appears uneven in authentic prints, with some colors bleeding more than others, while modern prints show uniform color distribution like the example below.
Circular marks made by the baren (rubbing pad) pressing paper onto woodblocks indicate authentic printing methods.
Below is an example of how authentic woodblock prints may feature embossing, raised areas, or burnishing effects that create shiny surfaces in certain areas.
If a print fails these authenticity tests, it can still be displayed and enjoyed without concern for sunlight damage.
Identifying Your Print
The most efficient identification method involves taking clear photographs directly above the print, squared in the frame to avoid distortion. Photographs of the back should also be taken for reference. Below is an example of a good photograph of a print.
Here is an example of a poorly documented print.
Google Image Search proves remarkably effective for identification. After uploading a print photograph, the search displays the image with results below, including similar and related images. Clicking "see exact matches" in the top left reveals results from galleries, museums, art shops, auction sites, universities, and various other sources.
Results linking to major museums, galleries, and databases provide the most reliable information. Visual comparison between the owned print and found examples resembles the children's game "spot the differences." The most important comparison points are the locations of artist signatures, publisher's marks, and censor seals, as these elements help establish publishing dates. Color comparisons are less reliable, as printers experimented with variations and many inks fade or change over time.
Ukiyo-e.org offers another excellent resource, with over 223,000 prints in their dedicated database. The site's image search function returns matches from multiple collections, allowing for direct comparison.
Matching signatures, seals, and publisher marks provides strong confirmation of a print's version, artist, and publication date. However, identification remains complex even with matching marks. Some publishers, such as Watanabe, used different-sized marks that appear identical but represent different time periods. Other publishers created modern reprints using copied historical marks and seals.
Ideally, two or three matching examples should be found for confirmation. Not finding exact matches doesn't necessarily indicate inauthenticity—with millions of prints produced, many versions remain unindexed online.
Alternative Identification Resources
Online woodblock print communities provide valuable assistance. Facebook groups and Reddit's ukiyo-e community include knowledgeable experts who often comment on posted prints. Japanese print galleries frequently offer authentication services, with many owners willing to review artwork and share opinions. Some may express interest in purchasing authenticated pieces.
Auction houses employ Asian art specialists who review artwork for authenticity and value.
Conclusion
Identifying and dating Japanese woodblock prints requires methodical detective work: ruling out modern reproductions, photographing prints carefully, using online search tools, examining publisher's marks, and consulting experts for confirmation. The discovery process reveals fascinating nformation about artists, cultural context, imagery significance, and potential value. Even prints that prove difficult to identify offer opportunities to learn about Japanese printmaking traditions and develop expertise in this rich artistic field.