Nishiki-e are color-printed ukiyo-e woodblock prints that became popular during the Meiwa era (1764-1772). Ukiyo-e woodblock prints were originally produced in monochrome using black ink, but gradually variations began to appear such as beni-e colored mainly with red ink, and urushi-e in which a lacquer-like gloss was applied over the ink. Later, benizuri-e or multi-color art prints using three or four different colors were developed, leading eventually to nishiki-e full-color prints that feature an extensive variety of seven, eight or even more colors.

They enjoyed extensive popularity, from the common people to daimyō (lords). As specialty products of Edo, they were also popular as souvenirs for taking other area. Nishiki-e of a variety of genres lined the shelves of jihon (storybooks and ukiyo-e woodblock prints published during the Edo Period) wholesalers and stores selling picture books, woodblock prints, etc. Nishiki-e was a popular form of media with pictures depicting the latest manners, customs and fashion.

Kabuki and sumo, popular among the common people of Edo, were also often depicted in nishiki-e. Prints of actors performing in actual kabuki shows sold particularly well, and they were displayed in stores in a way that they stood out. The prints portrayed actors and sumo wrestlers who were popular, making it a media that allowed people to know who the most prominent actors and wrestlers were.