Foundations of Morality and Success - Many artists created designs for this long-running newspaper series depicting both contemporary and historical heroes and heroines. These exemplary individuals were thought to embody values to both inspire and encourage readers. The series was published by Heikichi Matsuki of the Daikokuya publishing firm, a company established in 1763 and known for its high quality woodblock designs. Daikokuya commissioned leading artists of the day, such as Yoshitoshi, Toshikata, Kiyochika, and Kunichika, to create these wonderful designs. Beautifully detailed with fine line work and soft shading, these great Meiji era prints were singled out for recognition by the Japanese government when the series was completed in 1890 for encompassing such uplifting and noble subjects. First edition prints feature a patterned border in a variety of colors, while the 1902 edition has plain paper borders.

Fukuchi Gen'ichiro - Terrific portrait of the journalist Fukuchi Gen'ichiro reporting on the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. Born in Nagasaki, Fukuchi Gen'ichiro spoke Dutch and traveled to Edo to learn English at the age of eighteen. He worked first as an interpreter and translator for the shogunate, but became a supporter of the Meiji restoration, earning respect from the emperor for his coverage of the rebellion as a war correspondent. He is shown with a notebook and brush in hand, wearing a Western style plaid suit, black jacket, and hat. Meiji troops ford the water behind him to engage the rebels atop a rocky cliff. A great image of a modern Japanese man.

Artist - Kiyochika (1847 - 1915)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with somewhat stiff paper. Light toning. Some prints have a couple small spots. Please see photos for details.