Japanese Advertising Prints - Known as hikifuda, advertising handbills or circulars became popular in Japan beginning in the Edo era. Colorful, decorative designs with were printed with large blank areas for the merchant to add his store name and other information. While some featured specific products, most depicted beauties or Japan's famous Seven Lucky Gods and other auspicious imagery. Posters called ebira were pasted up at crossroads or in other busy locations. Ebira were also distributed to announce shop openings or as New Year's greetings. Favorite subjects for holiday ebira included the gods Daikoku and Ebisu with gold coins to ensure good fortune in the coming year. This Meiji era design appears to be an early form of automated color print, perhaps silk screen or lithograph, and features beautiful embossed details on the hawk's wings. A fun and unusual item.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 13 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A couple tears at edges, repaired. A few creases. Please see photos for details.