Yokohama-e - Yokohama-e are prints depicting foreigners in Yokohama after Japan was opened to trade with the West the 1850s. Previously, Japan had been closed to international trade with only a few strict exceptions, leading to curiosity among the Japanese about the new foreign arrivals and their strange clothing and customs. Many Yokohama-e designs featured people from the "Five Nations," the five countries that signed trade treaties with Japan in 1858: America, England, the Netherlands, Russia, and France. Others were fanciful depictions of foreign cities, often based on Western illustrations rather than direct observation. These prints proved popular, with hundreds of Yokohama-e published between 1859 and about 1880. These wonderful images provide a great look at this historic time period, using the traditional art form of Japanese woodblock prints to record a new subject.

Foreign Merchant's House, 1865 - Terrific image looking down into a foreign merchant's house in Yokohama. At upper left, a group gathered around a table enjoys a meal. At right center, a merchant goes over the inventory sitting on a table before him, making notes in an account book. Thermometers hang on the wall behind him, and umbrellas at left. Chinese servants are at work throughout the house, while at lower left, a man in a turban sweeps the entryway. Fantastic detail in this fascinating subject.

Artist - Sadahide (1807 - 1873)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 19 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. Two separate panels. Losses at corners, a few holes, repaired. Wrinkling throughout. Please see photos for details.