When we hear the word "ukiyoe", we think of Katsushika Hokusai's painting of the giant waves and Toshusai Sharaku's portrayal of actors, etc. Many of ukiyoe were made by woodblock prints and are said to be the roots of Japanese printing technology, which is characterized by brightly colored, multi-colored prints. This technique, known as "Edo woodblock printing," has been traditionally passed down for more than 400 years, mainly in Tokyo. Using the same materials, techniques and skills as in the Edo period, craftsmen are still reviving the ukiyoe woodblock prints that were loved by the people of Edo.
The Takahashi Kobo was founded during the Ansei era (1854-1860).
Takahashi is a family of printers of Edo woodblock prints that have been passed down from generation to generation, and since the fourth generation, had doubled up as a "publisher".
Takahashi Kobo has continued to produce traditional woodblock prints in the same way as it has for the past 160 years.
The current head of the studio, Yukiko Takahashi, became the sixth head of the company after learning the art of woodblock printing from her father, and began working as a publisher to promote and develop the culture of Edo woodblock print.