Woodblock print "Sparrow and by Hibiscus mutabilis " by Ashikaga Shizuo Published by UCHIDA ART

[HISTORY]
Originally started as an antiquarian book dealer in 1919, Uchida Art was established in 1923. In 1942, the publisher was designated by the government as a qualified preserver of woodblock printing techniques. Although it became impossible to continue operations during World War II, they reopened their business in 1945. The publisher founded a company in 1952 and changed its name to Uchida Art Co. Ltd. in 1967.

[Popularity and accomplishments]
After the war, the prints published by Uchida Art were recognized for their true value by military personnel at the occupying forces, and their distribution gradually expanded to include sales at U.S. military bases. Eventually, their popularity reached the United States and Europe. While deeply studying the preferences of international customers, they demonstrated the manufacturing processes on-site to attract more attention from them. These efforts aimed to promote the export of Japanese woodblock prints overseas.

As a manufacturer and exporter, they dedicated efforts to improving the quality and designs of woodblock prints. They contributed greatly to the development of the woodblock printing industry and let the quality of Japanese woodblock prints widely known worldwide.

[Publications and their characteristics]
They have worked with some of the most well-known artists from Kyoto, such as Tokuriki Tomikichirō, Kamei Tōbei, Asano Takeji, and Asada Benji, and also engaged in the reproduction of ukiyo-e prints. The woodblock prints published by Uchida Art have been researched to cater to the preferences of international aficionados, with rich colors and meticulous attention to detail in their depiction.