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.
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Onoe Kikugoro and Bando Mitsugoro as Courtesans with Nakamura Juzaburo and Bando Minosuke
JP110830
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Kyogen: Actors Onoe Matsusuke, Nakamura Fukusuke, and Onoe Kikugoro
JP1-51190
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Scene from the Kabuki Play Chujo-hime Taima Engi
JP110452
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Ichikawa Gonjuro and Ichikawa Danjuro at the Bath from the Play Kiwametsuki Banzui Chobei
JP110817
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Kabuki Scene from the Play Oshu Adachigahara
JP110844
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Kabuki Actors Ichikawa Sadanji and Ichikawa Danjuro
JP110824
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Title Page: An Educational Account of Self-Made Men
JP-110762
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Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Danjuro as Okubo Hikozaemon on His Way to the Castle
JP-110650
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Ichikawa Kodanji; Evening Glow at the Eitaibashi
JP6359
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Comparison of Nudes to Irises at the Public Bath
JPR1-72088