Final answer:
Ukiyo-e, or 'pictures of the floating world', refers to Japanese woodblock prints that capture various facets of life during the Edo period. These prints, including famous works by Katsushika Hokusai, overall represent a cultural and artistic movement that places value on the enjoyment of the transient beauty of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term ukiyo-e translates to 'pictures of the floating world' and originates from Japanese woodblock prints that were widely popular between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. These prints depict various aspects of life during the Edo period, ranging from the samurai warriors, scenes from the kabuki theatre to the beauty of courtesans, and the engaging landscapes of Japan. Notable artists like Katsushika Hokusai brought fame to the ukiyo-e style with pieces such as The Great Wave off Kanagawa from his series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, showcasing his use of perspective and the crafting of intricate designs through woodblock printing techniques.
Ukiyo-e prints served as a visual record for the people of Japan at the time, particularly the chōnin, capturing the transient beauty of the world they cherished—whether it was nature’s changing seasons or the pleasures of the urban nightlife. This artistic movement reflected a shift from the older Buddhist concept of 'world of sorrow' to a more modern interpretation related to enjoying the present moment in a 'floating world' free from the everyday constraints of life. As such, ukiyo-e represents both a significant artistic and cultural milestone in Japanese history.