Beyond Ukiyo-e: Modern and Contemporary Japanese Prints - The Floating World of Ukiyo-e

Shin Hanga, or "new prints," were produced in the time-honored way of Ukiyo-e woodblocks, with a publisher commissioning designs from the artist and the actual carving of the woodblocks and printing being done by professional artisans. Shin Hanga prints often refer to traditional subjects, such as landscapes and beautiful women.

The overriding concern of artists in the Sôsaku Hanga, or "creative prints" movement is toward the new and original. Sôsaku Hanga artists are involved in the entire printmaking process and design, cut, color, and print their own works either personally or by direct supervision.