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 - Rare, complete five-panel Yokohama scene of a military drill. At right, a soldier carries a British flag, following by a marching band and troops holding their guns upright with bayonets fixed. An American group follows behind the British, the flag waving overhead. In the distance at left and along the horizon many troops can be seen, and tents are scattered across the area. The first time we've seen this fantastic design.

Artist - Sadahide (1807 - 1873)

Image Size - 13 3/8" x 46 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Five attached panels. Losses at edges, holes, thinning along creases, repaired. Creasing, wrinkling, slight toning and soiling, rubbing at edges, a few stains. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.