The Japanese art form known as Ukiyo-e became popular during the 17th and 20th centuries because they were affordable and could be mass-produced. Originally, the subject of Ukiyo-e was city life and beautiful courtesans, but later on landscapes became very popular.

Subjects include actors, women, landscapes, scenes from Japanese literature and daily life, and Western foreigners.

Many schools and traditions are represented, but primary strengths include Ukiyo-e, translated as pictures of the floating (or sorrowful) world; and Yokohama-e, literally pictures of Yokohama.