Japanese Advertising Prints - Known as hikifuda, advertising handbills or circulars became popular in Japan beginning in the Edo era. Colorful, decorative designs with were typically printed with large blank areas for the merchant to add his store name and other information. While some featured specific products, most depicted beauties or Japan's famous Seven Lucky Gods and other auspicious imagery. Posters called ebira were pasted up at crossroads or in other busy locations. Ebira were also distributed to announce shop openings or as New Year's greetings. The prints in this group appear to be an early form of automated color print, perhaps silk screen or lithograph. An intriguing area of Japanese prints, hikufuda are fun and unusual items to collect.

Special detail - This print has a tiny attached, abbreviated calendar dated Meiji 36 (1903) in the center.

Artist - Meiji era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 9" x 13 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. A few creases at edges, stain. Please see photos for details.