Nagasaki Woodblocks - During the Edo era, foreign trade with Japan was restricted to the port of Nagasaki. Prints of exotic foreigners and ships relating to Nagasaki are known as Nagasaki-e or Nagasaki woodblock prints, and were likely produced as souvenirs for travelers. According to the Printing Museum in Tokyo, Nagasaki prints were primarily produced between 1780 and 1830, although some were published up until the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This wonderful group of reprints offers an intriguing look at the foreign merchants and traders doing business with Japan during this time period. Subjects include Dutch, Chinese, Russian, French, British, and American men and women, ships, the domestic life of foreigners living in Nagasaki, and even exotic animals. Published by Nagasaki Bunkensha in 1967, these images are printed on light tan paper to simulate an aged appearance. A rarely seen reprint series and an interesting genre of Japanese woodblock prints.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 18" x 7 1/8"

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.