Japanese Gallery

I have – since relinquishing my guns as a trainee artist, resolving somewhat of an infrequent «hobby» artist – for a long-​time been fascinated by Japanese artwork and printing. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise then, that I have often found myself in the Japanese Gallery on the Camden Passage in Islington.
Neatly laid out, in a very minimalist Japanese fashion, the Japanese Gallery has been collecting an abundant selection of Ukiyo-​e («sad» or «floating world») wood-​block prints that range from: antique originals that around 200 years old, if not more; to contemporary Manga reprints. The prices are quite infrequent as well, some of the stock is well out of reach for my pockets, but some antique-​reprints can be as low as £10, if not lower. The varied stock is then categorised into further sections: Beauty and Female; Animals; Shunga and so on.
Downstairs there are a couple of exhibitions spaces, which usually display Geisha (traditionally referring to a person of the arts) works. There are also a few reference books and knickknacks floating around, so if you’re interested it’s probably worth checking out.

Set in the quaint, cobble-​stoned Camden Passage in Islington is this lovely little shop which sells a range of delicate Japanese Ukiyo-​e woodblock prints. This form of art is the most well known of the Japanese arts where the prints are of traditional Japanese images such as geishas, samurais, sumo wrestlers, kabuki male/​female actors, landscapes and birds.
You can purchase original prints ranging from just under a £100 up to thousands of pounds. However, the great thing about Japanese Gallery is that for those who can’t afford to or are unwilling to spend so much on a print, can buy reproductions for £10, or slightly more if framed.
The images all hold an element of charm, each telling a certain narrative and look very good hung up on a wall at home, as well as making very appropriate gifts.