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| ..... | Selected Mangajin covers by Kazuko |
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| ..... | Selected Mangajin covers by Kazuko |
Most of Mangajin's covers were based on "Ukiyo-e" prints. Ukiyo-e is often translated as "pictures of the floating world," a world which flourished in the Edo period (1603-1868). The prints capture the essence of an exuberant, hedonistic age, depicting stylish courtesans, Kabuki actors, and other scenes of the demimonde. Mangajin's favorite artist was Toshusai Sharaku (Dates of birth and death unknown) who published his first work in May 1794 and abandoned art altogether early the following year. His entire career as an Ukiyo-e artist lasted only 10 months. For its covers, Mangajin preferred his first published set of 28 portraits--close-ups of famous Kabuki actors. A special favorite was Sharaku's masterpiece, "Portrait of the Actor Ichikawa Ebizo." This character was adapted as a mascot and appeared in many Mangajin covers and illustrations. Other favorite artists were Kitagawa Utamaro and Katsushika Hokusai. Most of the covers from issues No.1 to No.40 (1994) were airbrushed, and after No.41 were produced on the computer. Because we wanted to present the covers in as large a size as possible, the gallery is divided into 4 sections. The thumbnails give you an idea what each issue looks like. |
