Japanese Woodblock Prints Collection, c.1694-1957

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]

Online content

Online items

Summary

Title:
Japanese Woodblock Prints Collection, c.1694-1957
Dates:
c.1694-1957
Creators:
Los Angeles Public Library
Abstract:
The Japanese Print Collection consists of 317 prints and reproductions of Edo period (18th to 19th century) ukiyo-e prints from artists such as Hiroshige, Hokusai, Kunisada, Kuniyoshi, Masanobu, Shunsho, and many more. Ukiyo-e prints primarily focus on Edo period pictures of the “floating world,” capturing beautiful women, city dwellers, and the temporary existence of man on earth.
Extent:
4.34 cubic feet (6 drop-front print boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

[Item], Japanese Woodblock Prints Collection. Los Angeles Public Library Special Collections

Background

Scope and content:

The Library’s collection has 317 Japanese woodblock prints which span from approximately 1694-1957. The collection consists of both original and replicated or reproduced prints. Some highlights include the complete series of The Fifty-three Stages of the Tokaido by Utagawa Hiroshige, The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, examples of the kirazui technique, and oversize prints.

Biographical / historical:

The Japanese Woodblock Prints Collection was likely started in the 1910s and refined by City Librarian Everett Robbins Perry and his wife Lilla Simmons Perry. The couple purchased prints from Thomas R. Fleming and John C. Bentz to add to the Los Angeles Public Library’s collection. It was around this time that Miss Bella Mabury made a sizable donation of Japanese woodblock prints to the Library as well. Following the practice of large East Coast public libraries, print collections were developed and exhibited at the Central Library of the Los Angeles Public Library in the 1920s. When not on exhibit, the prints were available for patrons to view upon request at the library to generate interest in printmaking and to offer the public access to graphic arts materials. In December 1929, the Los Angeles Public Library displayed a group of prints from the collection of Mrs. James W. Johnson curated by Judson D. Metzgar. Metzgar later wrote the catalogue of Japanese woodblock prints owned by the library. On December 12, 1978, Mr. George Kuwayama of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art evaluated and appraised the library’s collection. The appraisal was then sent to John D. Bruckman, the Collections Development Manager for Thomas R. Fleming’s collection of Japanese Prints. In 1985, Collections Manager Romaine Ahlstrom oversaw the Japanese Prints Collection and corresponded with Curator of Education Cathy Gilbert at the Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens in Cherry Valley, California, to display forty-four of the prints in the Los Angeles Public Library’s collection. It is likely that Jeff Weber worked closely with Romaine Ahlstrom in processing and managing the collection during this time. The art show was titled Japanese Prints: From the Collections of the Los Angeles Public Library and was held from June 9 through July 21, 1985. In June 1990, Central Library Director Elizabeth K. Gay, and Collections Manager Romaine Ahlstrom corresponded with Assistant Supervisor of Cultural Arts Marie Sofi at the Civic and Cultural Center to host the exhibition Visit to Japan in the city of Brea from July 14 to August 17, 1990.

Acquisition information:
The prints were obtained from the following collectors starting from the 1920s: Donations from Everett Robbins Perry, City Librarian from 1911-34, and his wife Lilla S. Perry, who were interested in Japanese prints and their collectors across Los Angeles. They made multiple visits to the residence of Thomas R. Fleming in Long Beach to view their Japanese print collection. It seems as though the Perry couple maintained a personal relationship with other major collectors such as the John C. Bentz Company and Miss Bella Mabury. Lilla Perry wrote about a dealer named Mr. Matsumoto who visited their house. Purchases from Thomas R. Fleming, a Long Beach based Japanese print collector. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming collected Japanese prints together as a couple. Gifts of Miss Bella Mabury, one of two philanthropic sisters who donated artwork to major California museums such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. They were known for their collection of Edo period ukiyo-e woodblock prints such as the Utagawa Hiroshige collection of the Fifty Stages of the Great Tokaido. Purchases from John C. Bentz, one of two Bentz brothers who were leading East Asian art collectors in Pasadena during the 1920s. Purchases from Judson D. Metzgar, a prominent art dealer and collector of Japanese woodblock prints.
Processing information:

Archival processing was started at the Los Angeles Public Library by Rosemarie Knopka, Librarian Archivist, and Heather Yang, Diversity and Inclusion Apprentice, at the Central Library in June 2026 and completed in August 2026. Metadata about the prints has been available in the Japanese Prints database, accessible through the Los Angeles Public Library website, for a number of years.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Los Angeles Public Library staff.
Date Prepared:
Aug. 14, 2026, 12:33 p.m.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on Aug. 14, 2026, 12:33 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research by appointment only in the Special Collections Reading Room. Information about setting appointments can be found on the Library’s website at https://www.lapl.org/branches/central-library/departments/special-collections.

Terms of access:

Any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use, by any means, without prior written permission is prohibited. Photocopies, copy prints and digital images can be provided. With the proper fees and permissions, many images can be used in commercial and non-profit applications. For personal and commercial uses of the Library's images, the Library will send to the user a Commercial Use Agreement which states access rights to images and copyright restrictions. This agreement must be returned to the library before the order will be processed. It will also state proper credit to be used for the product whenever photographs are used in commercial or non-profit situations. Further information regarding Use and Reproduction may be found on the Library’s website: https://tessa.lapl.org/special-collections-ordering

Preferred citation:

[Item], Japanese Woodblock Prints Collection. Los Angeles Public Library Special Collections

Location of this collection:
Central Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071, US
Contact:
(213) 228-7355
specialcollections@lapl.org
Website