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 - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Partially backed with paper. Vertical centerfold. A couple small thinning spots at edge, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.