Ukiyo-e prints emerged during the Edo period, which was considered Japan's golden age. These prints were an essential part of Japanese culture, and some, such as The Great Wave Off Kanagawa, are still believed to be very famous today. At first, the prints were used to reproduce texts, but then eventually became a form of art (Met Museum). Most prints consisted of Kabuki actors, courtesans, and the city life. The prints were a source of entertainment for the common people living during the Edo period. Chisels were used to carve the print blocks, which were typically made of cherrywood (PBS). Ukiyo-e prints started to become more affordable towards the end of the 17th century, due to the demands of commoners wanting more. Merchants were beginning to make large profits from selling these cheap prints, leading them to becoming more successful. The government put numerous edicts into place, to control the amount of money merchants were making, and to control the amount of materials being used by the merchants (Khan Academy). Despite these edicts, ukiyo-e prints continued to flourish throughout Japan.