The master's thesis explores the influence of the Japanese art period ukiyo-e on contemporary art and design, with a focus on cultural exchange, interpretation and ethical dilemmas regarding design in a global context. The theoretical part covers the historical background of the emergence of the ukiyo-e movement, its technical and conceptual characteristics, and its impact on Western countries. It introduces the emergence of Japonism and the reinterpretation of traditional Japanese art practices in the works of Western artists such as van Gogh, Monet and Wright. The thesis also examines the concepts of primitivism, cultural appropriation and the influence of globalization on contemporary artistic practices. The experimental part documents the process of developing a collection of textile patterns and three interior design products – a room divider, a lamp and a crocheted rug. The reference point for inspiration derives from Japanese woodblock prints with landscape motifs, complemented by a personal visual narrative based on photographs of the countryside. The collection was developed using screen printing, crochet and digital image processing techniques such as pixelation. The finished products were crafted in close collaboration with local artisans and experts in the respective fields. The project emphasizes the importance of thoughtful and sustainable design, with a key focus on sourcing and using repurposed materials. The work serves as a starting point for a discussion on the issue of cultural appropriation and highlights the rescpectful integration of cultural elements into contemporary design practices as a possible alternative.
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