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.

Comments - Fantastic scene of foreigners from the Five Nations in the Gankiro Teahouse, a special establishment in Yokohama reserved for foreign customers. At right, a group is gathered around a large table sits with dishes of food, one of the seated men holding a goblet. In the center, a Chinese man and a Westerner appear to be dancing as the courtesan at right smiles with amusement. At t left, a man sitting in a chair turns to leer over his shoulder at another courtesan, who wears an elegant chrysanthemum print kimono. On the verandah behind her, two foreign women gesture to each other. Folding fan designs decorate the blue panels lining the back of the room. A terrific Yokohama subject.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 28 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous backing. A few holes, repaired. Toning, slight soiling, a few creases and marks, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.