Many of China's traditional arts have achieved popularity on distant shores. The ancient art of woodblock printing, also known as ukiyo-e printing, is experiencing a renaissance in Japan. Originally developed in China, woodblock printing, over the centuries has become a unique Japanese art form. Today, even foreign printers have mastered its intricate and elaborate techniques. The iconic woodblock print, 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa', was created by Hokusai in 1830. The recognizable design captures a large wave at sea. A snowcapped Mount Fuji stands in the background. The origins of woodblock printing are found in China but like many other cultural imports, Japanese artists and craftsmen have made it their own, over time. One of the most extensive collections of woodblock prints is housed in the Japan Ukio-e museum, close to the city of Nagano. Today the collection contains over 100,000 ukiyo-e prints, screens, books and paintings. The collection was started by Sakai Yoshiaki, a wealthy paper merchant and patron of the arts, during the 1790s. More than two hundred years later, the museum is run by one of his descendents, Sakai Nobuo. Sakai Nobuo says prints usually were made by teams of artists, unlike other visual arts.

来源：雅昌艺术网