Ukiyo-e – timeless Japanese art that brings stillness and movement into your home
There’s something special about Ukiyo-e. The brush strokes, the texture, the rhythm of the lines. It’s an art form that feels both soft and bold, dreamlike and grounded. At Posterton, we’ve curated a growing collection of Ukiyo-e posters that capture this feeling – and we’re convinced they work just as beautifully in modern interiors as they did in Edo-period Japan.
Whether you’re drawn to dramatic waves, quiet mountain landscapes or delicate birds in flight, Ukiyo-e invites a different pace. A slower one. These are posters that don’t scream for attention, but quietly anchor a room.
Masters of the floating world: Hokusai and Koson
Ukiyo-e translates to "pictures of the floating world", fleeting glimpses of nature, beauty and everyday life. Among the most iconic artists are Katsushika Hokusai, known for his powerful compositions and dynamic use of form, and Ohara Koson, whose work often focused on birds, flowers and natural serenity.
Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa is a true classic, but there’s a quiet brilliance in his other works too – from mist-covered mountains to small villages under snow. Koson, on the other hand, brings a softness and intimacy. His prints of birds in motion or perched in silence capture an emotional presence that feels almost photographic.
Where Ukiyo-e lives beautifully in the home
These posters aren't just for art lovers. They fit in a variety of homes and settings. A soft-toned print in a Japandi-style living room. A single wave above the bed. A botanical bird motif in the hallway. Ukiyo-e adapts effortlessly to both minimal and eclectic interiors.
It also pairs well with natural materials – think linen, oak, soft wool. And don’t underestimate the effect of letting one piece breathe on a white wall. Sometimes, the simplest styling gives the strongest impact.
Mixing Ukiyo-e with other art styles
One of our favorite ways to use Ukiyo-e in the home is as part of a gallery wall. It works beautifully with vintage photography, botanical illustrations and modern graphic prints. The trick is to play with shape and texture rather than trying to match themes.
If you love contrasts, hang a dramatic Hokusai wave next to a floral French poster. Or mix Koson’s gentle birds with sharp black-and-white photography for a layered feel. The possibilities are endless – and that’s part of the charm.
The vintage feel that never fades
Even though many of these works date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, they don’t feel stuck in time. Their timeless design, muted color palettes and elegant compositions make them feel just as relevant today.
At Posterton, we’ve selected Ukiyo-e prints that retain the richness of the originals while being carefully restored for modern interiors. If you’re looking for vintage-style posters that feel both poetic and sophisticated, this is where to start.
Ukiyo-e offers something rare: art that feels alive in stillness. Find your favorite here!
