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.
188 Products
Yoshitoshi
Hihi Coming Down from Mountain to Collect His Meal
JP-107311
Kunichika
Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Danjuro as Okubo Hikozaemon on His Way to the Castle
JP-110650
Kuniyoshi
Yamato Takeruno Mikoto in Kazusa and Yatsuhashi in Shimosa
JPR1-55482
Nobukazu
Hachiman Taro Yoshiie at the Battle of Go-san-nen
JP1-51147
Yoshitoshi
Priest Raigo Transformed by Wicked Thoughts into a Rat
JP110983
Yoshitoshi
Sun Wukong Creating an Army from His Fur
JPR-209641