The V&A's collection of ukiyo-e is one of the largest and finest in the world, with over 25,000 prints, paintings, drawings and books.

It is not since 'The Floating World' exhibition of 1973 that a substantial number of ukiyo-e have been displayed at the Museum. The return of this exhibition, which has been touring in Japan since 2007, provides a perfect opportunity to rectify this.

Ukiyo-e means 'Pictures of the Floating World'. Images of everyday Japan, mass-produced for popular consumption in the Edo period (1615-1868), they represent one of the highpoints of Japanese cultural achievement.

Exploring the strengths of the V&A's unique collection, the display includes glorious full-colour prints, fan prints, illustrated poetry books, and artists' sketches and copyists' drawings.