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.
111 Products
Chikanobu
The First Three Generations of the Tokugawa Shogunate
JPR-97137
Kunichika
Ichikawa Gonjuro and Ichikawa Danjuro at the Bath from the Play Kiwametsuki Banzui Chobei
JP110817
Kunichika
Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Danjuro as Okubo Hikozaemon on His Way to the Castle
JP-110650
Kokunimasa (aka Kunimasa V)
Great Victory of the Imperial Navy at the Great Pitched Battle off Takushan
JP-96268
Kiyochika
Hurrah for the Great Victory of the Navy of Great Japan at the Naval Battle of Incheon between Japan and Russia
JP1-51188
Yoshikage II
Japanese Great Victory Over Phoenix Castle
JP-96278