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.

Parading Foreigners in a Festival, 1861 - Interesting Yokohama-e print of foreigners taking part in a festival. In the foreground, a man and two women ride in a horse-drawn carriage. At center right, three men dance about as another fellow plays a drum. A French flag can be seen at left. A nicely detailed scene.

Artist - Yoshikazu (active circa 1850 - 1870)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Slight toning, a few creases and small marks. Please see photos for details.