Pagoda in Nikko

by Koitsu Tsuchiya

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Internet auctions have become a popular form of buying these little colorful pieces of paper called Ukiyo-e. Reserve prices are usually lower than those of real world galleries and in addition you get the fun and thrill of an auction.

Participation is easy. The person who wants to bid, must register with name, address, e-mail, credit card information and choose an alias and a password. With your registration you get a confirmation and a client number and you can start to bid.

In summer of 2002 there were about a dozen sites, where art lovers could bid for Japanese prints. Among them are Ebay and Sothebys. The majority of the sites are specialized and owned and operated by Ukiyo-e dealers. The prints that these sites offer, are mostly from their own stock or consigned by other dealers. Not all Ukiyo-e auction sites take consignments from private collectors.