Moronobu Hishikawa

Born circa 1618; died circa 1694. Japanese graphic artist, painter, and founder of the ukiyo-e school of woodcut.

Moronobu produced picture books (for example, Osaka Stories, 1668; One Hundred Depictions of the Women of This Frail World, 1681), as well as prints depicting scenes from the lives of the common people and portraits of beautiful women. All of his works were woodcuts. Full of humor and naturalness, Moronobu’s works are distinguished by clear, supple contours and powerful, rapid brushstroke.