Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print
Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print
Now open until 30 August 2026
Included in general admission | Book Now
Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print explores the history and development of Japanese woodblock printing, revealing its origins and techniques alongside the influence of nature, society and cultural change on this art form.
This major exhibition covers over 300 years of printing history from 17th to 21st centuries and features over 100 striking and iconic works by world-renowned artists including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige and Kitagawa Utamaro, amongst many others.
Japanese woodblock prints from York Art Gallery’s extensive collection, some on display for the first time, sit alongside incredible loans from regional and national institutions including early printed books from the British Library, stunning kimonos from Durham Oriental Museum, armour and swords from the Royal Armouries, and a mesmerising selection of prints from the British Museum, Ashmolean Museum and Maidstone Museum, including Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa, one of the most recognisable and celebrated artworks in the world.
This fantastic group of artworks, armour, costume and printed materials presents a visually impressive display and brings the colourful world of Japanese prints to life.
The exhibition extends into the York Museum Gardens, with an addition of a Japanese-dry landscape garden, or ‘karesansui’, directly behind the Gallery that has been created in response to the exhibition. Take a moment to pause and reflect on simplicity, harmony and balance surrounded by nature.
Programme of Events
As part of Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print, we’re pleased to be offering a wide range of talks, events and workshops inspired by the show. Find out more.
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