ABOUT
UKIYO-E LOUNGE
"UKIYO-E LOUNGE" is a place of exchange where we freely explore the deep world of Japanese culture, now and in history, focusing on ukiyo-e, sometimes inviting professionals to share their insights.
We connects ukiyo-e enthusiasts from around the world, as well as those interested in Japanese culture, forming a community reminiscent of the "ren" of the Edo period.
Through the activities in the Lounge, we aim to deepen everyone's knowledge and understanding of ukiyo-e and engage in discussions about the future of ukiyo-e and Japanese culture, while sharing ideas with each other to create new ukiyo-e art.
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ESHI
Under the direction of the publisher, the “ESHI” (literally translates as “pictorial master”) artist draws the key design (original artwork) for Ukiyo-e.
Did you know that ukiyo-e is still being created today?
"There are artisans who have inherited the techniques still standing today"
Despite facing various challenges such as a decrease in work opportunities, lack of ideal crafting work environment, and a shortage of successors with only a handful of carvers and printers, ukiyo-e craftsmen continue to pass down their skills, which have been preserved for over 400 years.
Meet HANMOTO
Ukiyo-e epitomizes collaborative artistry. Crafted by four artisans - the artist, carver, printer, and publisher - it embodies synergy beyond individual skills. Under the publisher's guidance, ukiyo-e is meticulously produced through specialized contributions. Using eco-friendly materials like Japanese paper and cherry woodblocks, it represents a unique Japanese tradition.
HORISHI
Upon receiving the key design, the carver first completes the key block (a block with only the outline carved) and then proceeds to separate the composition into different colors, and carve a dedicated woodblock for each color (“color block”).
PATH TO THE BEGINNING
To become a ukiyo-e craftsman, one must apprentice under a master to inherit their techniques, spending thousands of hours to master a single skill. They invest time in things that cannot be expedited, immersing themselves in a flow of time similar to that of centuries ago.
However, the "now" of ukiyo-e craftsmen is also facing various challenges such as a decrease in work opportunities and issues in the workplace environment. There is also a shortage of successors, with only nine carvers and thirty printers, creating a crisis in the survival of this long cherished tradition.
We have found hope in the new technology called "DAO," reminiscent of the Edo period's "ren" groups, and we aim to leverage it to provide opportunities for artisans to thrive through online work.
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Who operates the UKIYO-E LOUNGE?UKIYO-E LOUNGE is operated by a publisher known as a 'Hanmoto' in the world of Ukiyo-e. The 'Hanmoto' plays a producer-like role, overseeing the planning, production, and sales of Ukiyo-e.
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Is there a fee to participate?Joining our Discord community of UKIYO-E LOUNGE is free for everyone. There, you can learn about the hidden history and techniques of ukiyo-e from experts. However, participation in our DAO, which is limited to 46 members, requires purchasing an NFT. For detailed information on DAO membership, please visit this link: [OpenSea link].
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What is so special about UKIYO-E LOUNGE?UKIYO-E LOUNGE is the first ever from an ukiyo-e industry to join the Web3 world. Traditional art with a rich history of 400 years in the most high-tech world can be quite interesting. No one has done it yet, which makes UKIYO-E LOUNGE the pioneer of its kind. It is just the beginning, which is why it is special for you to join from the beginning of this new journey.
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What are the benefits of joining UKIYO-E LOUNGE?Joining the UKIYO-E LOUNGE offers the unique opportunity to improve your knowledge of Ukiyo-e. Also, you will be able to interact directly with artisans and publishers who are normally inaccessible. The greatest benefit is the chance to be involved in the creation of Ukiyo-e from the ground up!
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What activities does the UKIYO-E LOUNGE engage in?At UKIYO-E LOUNGE, we gather members who are passionate about ukiyo-e and collaborate on creating original ukiyo-e artworks. We also regularly share information related to ukiyo-e. Additionally, we plan to host offline events in the future where members can interact directly with artisans.
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What do NFT holders receive?Ability to redeem the physical print upon completion of the project, authenticated by UKIYO-E LOUNGE Authorization to participate in future projects. Be part of the Han-moto, where you get to have a voice from the beginning (brainstorm stage) to the end of the production (artwork is made) Membership to UKIYO-E LOUNGE DAO. 1 NFT = 1 Vote. Opportunity to interact with ukiyo-e artisans and be part of the Ukiyo-e community.
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How will I receive the physical print?When the Ukiyo-e production is done, DAO members will complete a form to input their physical address, email and preferred method of contact. Tracking will be provided upon shipping using the suggested method of contact.
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Where do funds go?Percentage of royalties will go to the artisans. Majority will go to UKIYO-E LOUNGE for the ukiyo-e production that will be given to the holders at the completion of the print.
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Can the Ukiyo-e design be on anything?Since the composition needs to meet certain requirements in order to be an ukiyo-e, the staff will decide with the artisans beforehand on the subject/theme, and we will provide some options. Then, DAO members will discuss and decide/vote on the decisions.
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What’s the difference between free members and DAO members?The main difference will be how involved you would like to be with the community. Free members will be able to learn more about ukiyo-e, but DAO members will be able to go beyond that. DAO members will earn VIP access to premier events, exhibitions, and workshops curated by UKIYO-E LOUNGE, and have an opportunity to interact with esteemed artisans and connect with fellow elite enthusiasts. DAO members will be part of the creative team and have a voice by contributing ideas to create new artwork.
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How can I get UKIYO-E LOUNGE DAO?You can join UKIYO-E LOUNGE DAO by purchasing NFT via Openseas. Once you become the NFT owner, that will be your ticket to join DAO, and will have access to all the perks of the exclusive membership.
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Is there a limit to join the UKIYO-E LOUNGE discord?There is no limit for the number of UKIYO-E LOUNGE discord for free members. However, there is a limit of 46 seats only for the UKIYO-E LOUNGE DAO membership. It is first come first serve, so if you are interested in joining the exclusive membership, then we recommend you to secure your spot while there’s availability.
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What is Ukiyo-e?Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese craft of multicolored woodblock printing that developed during the early to mid Edo period (mid-1600s to mid-1700s). This tradition has continued up to the present day. Ukiyo-e prints often depict a variety of contemporary subjects from that era, including beautiful women, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and famous landscapes. People in the Edo period used ukiyo-e as a way to access news, fashion updates, and travel information.
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Are Ukiyo-e still being created today?Yes, there are artisans who continue the craft using techniques passed down from the Edo period. The art of making Ukiyo-e, including the roles of carvers and printers known as HORISHI and SURISHI, has been handed down through generations and persists to this day. However, specialized due to the division of labor and requiring years to master, coupled with changing social conditions, contribute to this shortage of new artisans.
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How are Ukiyo-e prints made?Ukiyo-e production involves a three-step process executed by three specialized artisans: the artist, the carver, and the printer. The artist draws the initial design, which the carver then engraves onto wood blocks. The printer applies ink to these carved blocks and presses them onto washi paper to create the final ukiyo-e print. A publisher, known as the 'hanmoto', coordinates these artisans and manages the planning, production, and sale of the prints. Supported by over 300 years of history, this technique represents a unique cultural heritage that is unparalleled globally.
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What should a beginner do?Learn and contribute. First read the 📖｜rules-and-guideline and make sure you understand our channel, and then introduce yourself at 🛋｜Introduction Ask questions, help others, be active, and invite people.
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Is there a fee to participate?Joining our Discord community of UKIYO-E LOUNGE is free for everyone. There, you can learn about the hidden history and techniques of ukiyo-e from experts. However, participation in our DAO, which is limited to 46 members, requires purchasing an NFT. For detailed information on DAO membership, please visit this link: [OpenSea link].
