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.

Benjamin Franklin, circa 1870 - Amusing demonstration of Benjamin Franklin's invention of the lightning rod. The inventor and his wife are shown inside their house during a thunderstorm. They both cover their ears as lightning strikes a chain attached to the lightning rod atop the house, which is grounded in a basin of water at lower left.

Artist - Meiji era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Partially backed with paper. Stitching holes at side, small losses at corners, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, rubbing at edges, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.