Ukiyo-e were woodblock prints produced in Japan between the 16th-20th centuries that depicted scenes of everyday life. They originated in Kyoto and gained popularity in the 18th century, originally focusing on subjects like kabuki actors, landscapes, and beautiful women. Ukiyo-e evolved from using just black ink to incorporating color and being mass produced using advanced woodblock printing techniques. Famous Ukiyo-e artists included Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Kunisada, who are renowned for their colorful prints of actors, landscapes, and beauty.