Mother, child and a friend

Reflecting the urban world and the popularity of the heroes and actors of Kabuki theatre, and the colourful live of the courtesans, the so-called ‘the floating world’ (ukiyo-e), a new form of art developed in which the woodblock print became the main medium.  Soon such prints were circulating in millions at prices almost all could afford. For a wealthier clientele, professional painters produced pictures portraying the same subjects.