Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

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A triptych of Yokohama Honcho no zue, “Honcho [Main Street] in Yokohama.” Shows the busy street one year after the port opened to foreign trade on 2nd June 1859. The Mitsui store is seen at left and the street is thronged with tradesmen and Japanese and foreign visitors. Originally the fishing village was chosen to protect foreign residents from the hostile marauding samurai on the nearby Tokaido road. The town expanded rapidly speaking a fusion language of Japanese, Dutch and English. Photographs by Kusakabe Kinbei around 1880 show the street tree-lined. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), 1860.

Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

Status: Available

Price: £2800