Takahashi Kobo Andon (lantern)

When we hear the word "Ukiyoe" we think of Katsushika Hokusai's pictures of giant waves, Toshusai Sharaku's pictures of actors, and so on.

Many of these were produced as woodblock prints, and are said to be the roots of Japanese printing technology, which is characterized by colorful, multicolor printing.

The technique is called "Edo Mokuhanga (woodblock print)" and has been handed down traditionally for over 400 years, mainly in Tokyo. Using materials and techniques unchanged since the Edo period, craftsmen are still reviving Ukiyoe woodbblock prints loved by the people of Edo in the modern age.

Takahashi Kobo has been in the family of Edo woodblock print printers for generations, and since the fourth generation, we have also been a "publisher".

Since its establishment more than 160 years ago, we have continued to produce traditional woodblock prints.

This product is arranged in an unprecedented way to make Ukiyoe accessible and enjoyable in the modern age.

Ukiyoe prints are a unique Japanese multicolor printing technique that is completed by layering color plates on top of contour lines. The design behind this process, with only some of the design elements extracted, has been symbolically applied to the four sides of the paper Andon (lantern).

The coloring has been kept to a minimum to match contemporary lifestyles, allowing visitors to enjoy Edo woodblock prints from a new perspective. In the old days when there was no electricity, candles were used to light the lanterns. The frame of this product is made of steel and uses two AA batteries.