The printed image

The Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst in Cologne has conducted a major survey of its inventory of Japanese coloured woodcuts and books for the first time after more than 100 years. The result can only be described as historic. Matthi Forrer, one of the most important authorities on the subject, presents the most unusual and precious pieces. The author uses the exhibition of this surprisingly diverse and high-quality collection as an opportunity to produce a comprehensive handbook, containing numerous colour plates, on the history and techniques of Japanese woodcuts.