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.
205 Products
Yoshitoshi
Bunbuku Chagama (Tea Kettle) of Morinji Temple
JPR-78920
Kunichika
Introducing Two Kabuki Plays at the Nakamura Theater
JP110821
Yoshitoshi
The Delighted Type: A Modern Geisha in the Meiji Era
JPR-109536
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
Yoshitoshi
Strolling: Upper-class Wife of the Meiji Era
JPR5267
Yoshitoshi
Looking Refined: A Court Lady of the Kyowa Era
JP1-41199
Yoshitoshi
The Dangerous Type: A Geisha in the Meiji Era
JPR-109484
Yoshitoshi
The Sleepy Type: A Low Class Prostitute in the Meiji Era
JPR-109534
Yoshitoshi
Cooling Off: A Geisha in the Fifth Year of the Meiji Era
JPR-109494
Yoshitoshi
The Amused Type: A High Ranking Maid in the Bunsei Era
JPR-109492