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PLEASE NOTE:: This database is still in a DRAFT state. We are in the process of adding and correcting information

The Asian Conservation Studio and Scientific Research Laboratory of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) have been conducting research into the colorants used in Japanese woodblock prints, or ukiyo-e prints, from the Edo period (1603–1868), since 2002. This work combines the perspectives of conservators, who are familiar with the practical use of materials and their physical condition, with scientists’ expertise in analysis and interpretation of data. This project has relied solely on non-invasive techniques that do not require sampling from the prints.

The Ukiyo-e Print Colorant Database presents results of this research in a format organized around individual prints, with additional sections on individual colorants and analytical techniques. It currently focuses on prints from the MFA’s collection that date from the early 1700s to the mid-1800s. It does not encompass the whole breadth of colorants used in Japanese woodblock prints, particularly the synthetic dyes that came into use during the later part of the 19th century. Around 250 prints are featured in the database currently, with more being added as older data is re-evaluated and new data acquired. More on the data.

Colorants

Colorants detected so far are listed below. Click to see examples of the printed colors, spectra, and with lists of analyzed prints containing each colorant.

Blue Dayflower Indigo Prussian blue Red Safflower Madder Sappanwood Red lead Vermilion Others

Yellow Turmeric Orpiment Flavonoids Gamboge Iron oxide yellow Brown Iron oxide red Purple Dayflower + Safflower Others

Green Dayflower + Turmeric Indigo + Orpiment Prussian blue + Orpiment Others Orange Others Black Carbon black

White Calcium carbonate Lead white Mica Mica Metallic Brass Tin

By Artist

Artists whose ukiyo-e prints have been analyzed are listed below. Click to see lists of prints analyzed for each artist.

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B Bunchō, Ippitsusai C Chinchō, Hanekawa E Eisen, Keisai Eishi, Chōbunsai Eizan, Kikukawa H Harunobu, Suzuki Hiroshige I, Utagawa

Hiroshige II, Utagawa Hokkei, Totoya Hokusai, Katsushika K Kiyohiro, Torii Kiyomasu I, Torii Kiyomasu II, Torii Kiyomitsu I, Torii Kiyonaga, Torii Kiyonobu I, Torii Kiyotada I, Torii Kokan

Komatsuken Koryusai, Isoda Kunisada, Utagawa (Toyokuni III) Kuniyoshi, Utagawa M Masanobu, Okumura S Sharaku, Tōshūsai Shigemasa, Kitao Shigenobu I, Yanagawa Shinsai, Ryūryūkyo

Shunkō, Katsukawa Shunman, Kubo Shunshō, Katsukawa T Taito II, Katsushika Toshinobu, Okumura Toyoharu, Utagawa Toyokuni I, Utagawa Toyonobu, Ishikawa U Utamaro I, Kitagawa

Additional Resources

• A list of publications and resources on the identification of colorants in Japanese woodblock prints. This list is not intended to be exhaustive.
• A Brief History of Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing
• A list of Materials and Techniques used for Ukiyo-e Printing

About the Collection

The MFA has over 50,000 Japanese prints and approximately 3,000 titles of illustrated books covering the Edo period (1603–1868) to the present. The Japanese woodblock print collection spans the Edo period from its birth to color printing to its height as a commercial product and to its end in the Meiji period (1868–1912). The MFA collection represents not only the breadth of artists working at the time but also multiple impressions and editions, making it a comprehensive resource for scholarship, research, and teaching. Collections from prominent Bostonians such as William Sturgis Bigelow, Denman Ross, and the Spaulding brothers at the turn of the century form the basis of the collection. Furthermore, the William S. and John T. Spaulding Collection,​ which is comprised of over 6,000 prints, is available to researchers and educators as an important study collection. Because the Spaulding Collection is not exhibited, these prints generally display remarkable preservation of the colorants making it a valuable benchmark for the study of color and palette.

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the many volunteers who contributed to this research. We are also grateful to Richard and JoAnn Pinkowitz for donating to this database project which allowed us to bring the Ukiyo-e Print Colorant Database online.