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.

A Picture of the New Port of Yokohama in Kanagawa, 1860 - Terrific view of the newly opened port of Yokohama, the street bustling with traffic. Laborers push and pull carts laden with goods while pedestrians stop at the shops lining the road. At top left, two men carry a blossoming cherry tree suspended from a yoke. Just to the left of them, a fellow chases a dog that has stolen a large fish, waving a stick as the animal runs away. A lively image with wonderful detail.

Artist - Sadahide (1807 - 1873)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 18 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels. Tear and thinning at edges, repaired. Wrinkling throughout. Please see photos for details.