James Watt of England, Inventor of the Steam Engine, circa 1870

by Meiji era artist (unsigned)

Current Status

James Watt of England, Inventor of the Steam Engine, circa 1870 by Meiji era artist (unsigned)

Original Meiji era Japanese Woodblock Print
James Watt of England, Inventor of the Steam Engine, circa 1870

Series; Lives of Great People of the Occident

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.

Artist - Meiji era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 9 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. Small loss, a couple thinning spots, repaired. Creasing, rubbing, a few spots. Please see photos for details.

James Watt of England, Inventor of the Steam Engine, circa 1870 by Meiji era artist (unsigned)
James Watt of England, Inventor of the Steam Engine, circa 1870 by Meiji era artist (unsigned)

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