U-ki-yo-e is a Japanese word meaning pictures of the transient world. It is a Japanese Art of the 16th - 17th century based upon paintings of Japanese ladies, Kabuki theater actors, sumo wrestlers, urban life spots, and sceneries.

These woodblock prints influenced artists in Paris and was known as "JAPANESQUE." Artists such as Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and Claue Monet have been known to collect them. Ukioyoe has been known to have a great impact upon their works.