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.

American, 1861 - Great Yokohama-e portrait of an American in uniform, wearing a black coat with gold buttons and epaulets over white pants, and a brimmed hat. The bearded man grins happily, a bamboo cane or riding crop in his extended hand. A handsome design from this rarely seen series.

Artist - Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866)

Image Size - 14" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal centerfold. Slight thinning at corner, a few small holes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, a few stains and marks. Please see photos for details.