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.
116 Products
Yoshitoshi
Bunbuku Chagama (Tea Kettle) of Morinji Temple
JPR-78920
Kunichika
Ichikawa Danjuro as Kumagai Naozane and Onoe Kikugoro as Taira no Atsumori at the Ichinotani Battle
JP1-21196
Kunichika
Kabuki Actors Onoe Kikugoro, Kataoka Gado and Bando Kakyo
JP1-51184
Gekko
Fujiwara no Tadabumi (873-947), Military Leader in Heian Period
JP-92512
Gekko
The Nine-tailed Fox Disguised as Tamamo No Mae
JPR3-40736
Kunichika
Kabuki Scene from the Play Oshu Adachigahara
JP110844
Tadakiyo
Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Danjuro as Kan'u (Chinese General)
JP-110736