David - New Collector On the Block

David Tippett has been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for just a year, but his enthusiasm runs deep. A software engineer by profession, he found himself unexpectedly drawn into the world of ukiyo-e after receiving a postcard-format reproduction of Hiroshige’s The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō, a gift from his grandparents that sparked what is now a growing passion.

Favorite Artists
Hiroshige remains David’s longtime favorite, especially the iconic Tōkaidō series whose compositions and sense of atmosphere first captivated him. That early connection continues to guide his interests as he explores more artists and themes within the ukiyo-e tradition.

What Appeals About Collecting Ukiyo-e
For David, collecting is about the remarkable experience of holding history in his hands. He finds it extraordinary to acquire works he once admired only in museums, and he takes equal pleasure in the craftsmanship behind them - each block, color layer, and sheet of paper created with deliberate skill and care. The combination of historical depth and meticulous artistry is what keeps him inspired as a new collector.

Selected Favorite Prints
Below are a few of David’s favorite works, which reflect the range of drama, imagination, and beauty that drew him into ukiyo-e:

Yoshitoshi - Shiei Riding a Carp over the Sea

Kuniyoshi - Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre

Yoshitoshi - Moon Above the Sea at Daimotsu Bay