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.
407 Products
Kunichika
Geisha from the Hiramatsu Restaurant in Nihonbashi
JP-209936
Miyagawa, Shuntei
Title Page: Children's Manners and Customs
JP1-24992
Yoshitoshi
Jigoku-Dayu in Meditation with Skeletons
JPR1-25005
Yoshitoshi
Kiyohime Changing into a Serpent at the Hidaka River
JPR1-75018
Yoshitoshi
Children Blowing up Hotei's Belly and Painting It Like Candy
JPR-209640