Meiji Period Prints (1868-1912)
Meiji-period woodblock prints reflect an era of change. In 1853, the arrival of Commodore Perry’s black ships brought over 250 years of Japanese isolation to an abrupt end. The following year, as Japan engaged in international trade, Yokohama-e (Yokohama pictures) captured an influx of unfamiliar peoples, places and things entering Japan through Yokohama harbor. By 1868, the Imperial line attained control of the country under Emperor Meiji, terminating the feudal rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate and dissipating the culture of the floating world. Under the emperor, national modernization progressed rapidly. From Western-style clothes and pastimes, to exciting new inventions from overseas, Japan absorbed the massive influx of the foreign and developed a distinctly Japanese modern identity. While photography and lithography gained popularity at this time, the woodblock print continued to serve as a powerful medium. Meiji period artists made sense of a transitioning world with a familiar medium.
425 Products
Toshikata
The Bravery of Captain Matsuzaki in the Fierce Fighting at the Ford of Ansong
JP-100279
Kunichika
Modoribashi: Actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Watanabe no Tsuna and Onoe Kikugoro Disguised Demon
JP110837
Kunichika
Machiai ("Waiting room" or geisha restaurant), Kiraku at Nihonbashi, and Mitate Fabric Pattern
JP-209931
Kunichika
Kabuki Actor Ichimura Kakitsu IV in the Play Yagura Daiko Oto mo Yoshiwara
JP-209934
Kunichika
Actors Sawamura Tossho II as Mitsushima Samon, Otani Konohei as a Police Officer (Torite) (R), Nakamura Shikan IV as Jinriki Tamigoro, Nakamura Nakazo III as Kimyo-in (C), Otani Monza as a Bad Guy, and Otani Tomoemon V as Shirataki no Yokichi
JPR-209709
Miyagawa, Shuntei
Title Page: Children's Manners and Customs
JP1-24992
Gekko
Pursuing the Retreating Enemy at Kinshu Castle (Jinzhoucheng)
JPR5555
Yoshitoshi
I no Hayata Killing the Nue at the Imperial Palace
JP-209003
Unsigned / Unknown Artist
Pattern Book for Kimono Design (Hana Fukusa) (2 Vol.)
JPR-208866
Kunichika
Kabuki Actors Ichikawa Kyuzo, Bando Kakyo, Onoe Kikugoro, Nakamura Dengoro, and Onoe Matsusuke
JPR-97141
