Ukiyo-E History

Japanese woodblock prints are often referred to as Ukiyo-E. The word Ukiyo-E was originally Buddhist and meant "sad world". By the seventeenth century, however, the meaning evolved to mean, "floating world." The world referred to be one of transient pleasures and freedom from the cares and concerns of the world. You can read more at http://www.chinatownconnection.com/ukiyo-e.htm.