Customer Reviews

Collector's Value Guide to Japanese Woodblock Prints

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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(4)

 

 

If you are looking for a general guide to prices for Japanese Woodblock prints this is not it. I was expecting a much more comprehensive listing, or at least a discussion about how these prints are appraised, but there are only a few price points mentioned. There is quite a bit of useful information, but this is not the good, introductory text that I was hoping for.

At one point the author says something to the effect of: "if you want to learn about Japanese Woodblock prints, go to a lot of galleries and read a lot of books on the subject." I think I kind of knew that before.

I found this book somewhat helpful and useful. But there is something terribly wrong with it, which makes me highly dubious of the writer's motivations. The prices are outrageously high. Every dealer I have talked to, while delighted at the inflation of values for obvious reasons, agrees that the prices are often twice or more the true market value of the prints. I have bought several of these prints in near mint condition in the past year for half the prices quoted here. I suppose I should be delighted that my purchases doubled in value overnight, but ..........

...but indeed, where did she get those prices????? Still a good reference that provides loads of helpful information. A good addition to your Lane, if you are deeper into Ukiyo-e. And the price is absolutely reasonable for the amount of information provided. One of the few references that do not only give information about the classical artists, but also on sosaku hanga and shin hanga artists.

I was disappointed with this book. I guess I had expected a fairly comprehensive survey of auction, retail, and internet prices but this contained only brief selections from important artists, e.g. five by Hokusai, three by Harunobu, a dozen or so by Hiroshige. And I agree with another post here about pricing; some estimates are dead on, but many estimates for things I've shopped for or purchased are at least double current retail.

Finally a guide for purchasing japanese woodblock prints that not only contains present prices but also lists signatures publishers's seals and date seals with simple explanations. Starting with a general description of collecting the prints,It readily describes how to determine repros as well as postumous prints. Gives the reader an idea of what detracts from the price ie. trimming, creases, worm holes etc. This is a must in the library of an advanced as well as a novice collector, written by an author with a wealth of knowledge to share

This book is so much more than a value guide. It contains more information to help in identifying Japanese Woodblock Prints than can be found in any other book. Here is a breakdown of information in the book: 6 pages of Introduction to Japanese Woodblock Prints, 85 pages of Woodblock Artists of the 18th to 20th centuries, 112 pages of color photos of woodblock prints with detailed descriptions and values, and 78 pages of signatures of artists,publishers, censor seals, actors mons, etc. This is not a detailed history of the art form. It is a wealth of information.

I found this book somewhat helpful and useful. But there is something terribly wrong with it, which makes me highly dubious of the writer's motivations. The prices are outrageously high. Every dealer I have talked to, while delighted at the inflation of values for obvious reasons, agrees that the prices are often twice or more the true market value of the prints. I have bought several of these prints in near mint condition in the past year for half the prices quoted here. I suppose I should be delighted that my purchases doubled in value overnight, but ..........

If only the content could have delivered on the promise of the Title. I think REDO would be in order.

This brand new, year 2000 volume contains more than 200 black and white and 200 color, very large, sharp, photos in its 288 pages. Subjects range from flowers to birds to sumo wrestlers. There's a wealth of information provided, including format and size of prints, identifying prints, care of prints, japanese numerals, chronology, common character index, artist names, signatures and seals, trademarks, date and censor seals, and more. A bibliography and source list is provided. There's plenty of information that will be of value to novices and seasoned collectors of this topic. Prices are current and appear to be realistic. A welcome addition to books on collectibles.