Comments - 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 wonderfully detailed print shows a Dutch ship with sales and pennants fluttering in the wind. The writing at upper right translates as "Dutch Boat/From Nagasaki, Hizen: 13,200 ri by sea/Enters port late June/Sets sail September 20." Hizen was an old province that overlapped with the modern-day Nagasaki Prefecture, where the city of Nagasaki is located. During the Edo era, a ri was a length of distance about 2.44 miles long. A great black and white illustration, enhanced with hand-applied color in gray and gold. There is a printed signature in red ink at lower left which may read "Mitsuda," but we're not sure. A rare print, and a fantastic choice for a collector interested in the early days of foreign trade with Japan.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 11" x 14 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Toning, creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.