Vibrant Ukiyo-e, "pictures of a floating world," prints are famous worldwide and coveted by collectors. The woodblock prints first appeared in early 17th-century Japan in Edo, or Tokyo.

The first were black and white, but with the advent of full-color printing in the 1740s, up to 10 colors could be applied, each with its own carved woodblock.

Around 140 prints are on display at the Shanghai Art Museum.

The prints are vivid, colorful, intricately wrought. They typically depict urban life: teahouses, geisha, restaurant and theater scenes and scenes from history. There are also landscapes, famously the beautiful blue and aqua ocean waves bubbling with foam.

At first Ukiyo-e was considered commercial art, not fine art. Many were theater posters. Today they are treasures.

Pretty women - teahouse girls, geisha, courtesans - were traditional subjects, clad in richly colored, intricately patterned kimono.

The art and spirit of Ukiyo-e coincided with the pursuit of the impressionism in Europe. Ukiyo-e, as an Oriental art form, also promoted impressionism.

Manet, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and Whistler were all influenced by Ukiyo-e.

Date: through November 14, 9am-5pm

Address: 325 Nanjing Rd W.

Admission: 20 yuan

Tel: 6327-2829

(Shanghai Daily November 2, 2007)