Converse Clads Your Feet In Japanese Woodblock Prints By Famous Artists

Converse has recently unveiled two special pairs of sneakers that pay homage to the artistry of ukiyo-e, or the creative tradition of Japanese woodblock prints.

These unique shoes showcase the works of two highly acclaimed painters in Japanese history, Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

One of the standout designs features Hokusai’s renowned illustration, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The instantly recognizable wave covers both sides of the shoe, with the silhouette of Mount Fuji peeking out in the distance.

This captivating design extends to the cream-colored shoe, adorning even the heel and toe.

In addition to the Great Wave model, Converse presents the All Star Ukiyoe Print Hi Skull. This pair features Kuniyoshi’s iconic gashadokoro, a giant skeleton deeply rooted in Japanese folklore.

The gashadokoro depicted on this shoe hails from the artist’s painting titled Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre, believed to have been created in 1845.

In the image, a three-panel composition illustrates the summoning of the ghoul by the daughter of a rebellious warlord after his failed uprising.

Each pair is retailing for 12,100 yen (US$80).

[via My Modern Met and Sora24News, images via Converse]