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All Japan Kyoto Ukiyoe Small Museum
Ukiyoe Small Museum is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

AO Edited

Ukiyoe Small Museum

A tiny collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, open only when the owner feels like it.

Kyoto, Japan

Added By
Michelle
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The studio’s signature sign.   Thornet
The studio’s signature sign.   Thornet
The owner at work inside the studio.   Trevor Mogg / Alamy
Artwork in the studio.   pastestudios
Artwork in the studio.   pastestudios
The amusing sign.   Kent Wang
Inside the Ukiyoe Small Museum.   nicetry__17
The artist and his work.   pasayuri
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About

The sign outside this studio is enough to make anyone stop and smile. But the amusingly honest announcement of the studio’s hours isn’t the real attraction. The true treasure lies tucked behind the doors, waiting to be revealed whenever its owner decides to open shop.

If you happen to pass by when the quaint studio is open, you’re in for a real treat. Inside, you’ll find traditional woodblock prints. The prints are a style of Japanese art called ukiyo-e, which was popular between the 17th through 19th centuries.

Though the beautiful images of landscapes, people, animals, and folk tales were once popular, the craft began to wane by the 20th century. Now, there are only about 50 ukiyo-e artists remaining in Japan.

The studio’s owner and resident artist, Ichimura Mamoru, is happy to chat about his work, and will even show you how the prints are made. He’s been practicing the art of ukiyo-e for decades, after learning it from his grandfather as a teenager. As there are so few ukiyo-e artists left in the country, a personal tour of Mamoru’s artwork is a rare experience.

Related Tags

Printing Museums And Collections Museums World's Smallest Art
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Community Contributors

Added By

michelle99704

Edited By

erjeffery, Kerry Wolfe

  • erjeffery
  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

June 15, 2018

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Sources
  • https://en.japantravel.com/kyoto/world-s-smallest-ukiyo-e-museum/39773
  • https://www.neatorama.com/2016/06/06/Ukiyoe-Small-Museum/
  • https://maps.app.goo.gl/5a6dyoDciaCoUtzJ7
Ukiyoe Small Museum
〒605-0811 Yakasa Dori
Kyoto
Japan
34.998889, 135.773158
Get Directions

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Photo of Kyoto

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Minatoya Yurei Kosodate-Ame Honpo

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