TWO JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTS COMMEMORATING FREDERICK STARR & NOSATSU.

Frederick Starr was a professor of anthropology at Chicago University who first visited Japan in 1904 and made many subsequent visits. He wrote many papers on Japanese subjects but is probably best known in Japan for his interest in pilgrimage, he dressed in traditional pilgrim’s clothing and performed the Shikoku pilgrimage in 1917 and 1921...

In pristine condition, is this Japanese woodblock album displaying 6 famed prints, although these are not originals, yet they are actual wood block prints done for the 1964 Olympics in Japan. Please read the label description on book cover; the woodblocks are 44 years old with no soiling, smudge, or any imperfection whatsoever. They were adapted for stamps, but each are sized image area about 5" by 7" and each come with the original acid free protective tissue paper.

Antique Japanese woodblock print of Ishiyakushi in Tokaido, Japan. Side has authentic artist censer seal by Hiroshige (1997-1858), and publisher's mark. Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese: 歌川 広重), also Andō Hiroshige (Japanese: 安藤 広重; 1797 – 12 October 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition. Size: 13.5" H, 9.5" W

Russo-Japanese War triptych illustrating the surprise attack on Russia’s Far Eastern Fleet at Port Arthur that initiated the war. A large torpedo-boat is at the center. Two Russian ships at the upper left have been hit and are sinking. Three Japanese battleships are at the upper right...

Japanese Meiji period woodblock print depicting William Howard Taft viewing a sumo match during his 1905 diplomatic mission to Japan. With Taft weighing in at over 300 lbs., this print is likely offering a subtle comparison between Taft and the wrestler. This print is unsigned and undated. 14 3/4"V x 10 3/8"H. Very good color and impression quality. Good overall condition with pigment transference at the upper left corner, some minor soiling, and a few small holes and thinned areas...

Japanese Meiji period woodblock print triptych by Utagawa Kokunimasa (1874-1944), aka Ryua, titled “The battle between Japan and Russia at Seoul” depicting troops landing on the Korean peninsula at the start of the Russo-Japanese War. The print was published by Fukuda Hatsujiro and is dated in the cartouche at the lower left 2/1904. Signed at the lower right "Ryua" and with the artist's red "Edokko" seal below. Each of the three panels measures 14 1/2" - 14 5/8" x 9 3/4" (paper size)...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada II (1823-1880) titled "Moon" from the series "Snow, Moon and Flowers" published by Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1852. Each panel bears the signature "Kunisada ga", a publisher's seal, date and censor's seals (see enlargement 7). Each panel measures nearly 14 1/4"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good overall condition. The triptych is not backed and the baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back. No tape or tape stains...

Oban diptych by Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) titled “The Story of the Strong Woman Takashima Oiko of Omi Province” from the series "A New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures." The print depicts Takashima Oiko leading Saeki Urinaga home in an effort to strengthen him for a wrestling match. The artist's signature and Taiso seal are at the lower left. The lower left margin contains the date of "Meiji 22" (1889). The title cartouche is at the upper right. Published by Tsunashima Kamekichi...

Rare Japanese Meiji period woodblock print triptych of the Tokyo-Ueno/Yamashita Train and Ueno Station from the series “Famous Places in Tokyo” by Utagawa Kunitoshi (flourished 1847-1899) dated 1st month of Meiji 22 (1889). The triptych is bound in the original folder and has not been exposed to sunlight. "Enlightenment" prints of the 1880's - 1890's promoted modernization and illustrated the westernization of Japan. The Japanese built their first railroad in 1872...

19th century Japanese Yokohama woodblock print depicting the famous Italian painter and printmaker Titian showing a bust portrait to a patron. This image is from a series of anonymous educational prints published in the early Meiji period that related to important Westerners. The print is unsigned and undated. 13 1/2"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good overall condition with margins evident. The print is not backed and has been stored away from sunlight...

Japanese Meiji period Yokohama woodblock print depicting Okiyo, the daughter of a gardener in Mukojima, meeting with a foreigner who desired her to be his concubine. This print is illustration no...

Historically important Japanese woodblock print triptych depicting the landing of foreigners of the “Five Treaty Nations” in Yokohama by Utagawa Yoshikazu (flourished 1850-1870). The print features soldiers and civilians from America, England, France, Russia, and The Netherlands grouped together with their respective flag and label. Two Chinese compradores, who facilitated trade, are in the foreground and western ships line the harbor in the background. The print is signed “Issen Yoshik...

Japanese Yokohama woodblock print triptych illustrating the interior of an American steamship by Utagawa Yoshikazu (flourished 1850-1870) published by Maruya Jinpachi in 1861. In this design, the artist utilizes the traditional Japanese convention of “roofless architecture” which allows the contents of the ship to be visible. Inside, westerners are seated at a long table having a dinner party. The assembled size is 14 5/8"V x 29 1/4"H (each panel is about 14 5/8"V x 10"H). Good overall c...

Sino-Japanese War triptych of a naval battle scene at Wei-hai-wei featuring an embattled Chinese ship at the center surrounded by the Japanese fleet. Several final blasts sink the ship and send the Chinese soldiers into the ocean. The black ink signature of the artist is barely visible at the lower right and is possibly Kobayashi Ikuhide (active 1885-1898). The specific date is not filled in on the cartouche, but is 1894-1895. The assembled size is about 27 7/8"H x 14 1/4"V. Each panel meas...

Rare Edo period Japanese namazu-e (earthquake fish picture) woodblock print featuring a giant human-like catfish playing a samisen beside an oni (demon) who is seated casually reading a book. In Japanese mythology, it was believed that giant catfish living underground caused earthquakes with their thrashing movements. A series of namazu-e were published anonymously in Japan shortly after the Ansei earthquake hit Edo (now Tokyo) in 1855. The prints were believed to offer protection against fut...

Rare Edo period Japanese namazu-e (earthquake fish picture) woodblock print featuring a giant human-like catfish receiving punishment after being found guilty by a judge for causing the Ansei earthquake of 1855. A group of human-like catfish watch as the punishment is being meted out. In Japanese mythology, it was believed that giant catfish living underground caused earthquakes with their thrashing movements. A series of namazu-e were published anonymously in Japan shortly after the Ansei ea...

Antique Japanese triptych woodblock print, meaning it is comprised of three separate sheets, depicting Akechi Mitsuhide in the final battle of Yamazaki in 1582. He is shown seated upon his horse, which has been shot dead with arrows, clutching his sword and gazing over the river at the approaching enemy forces in the distance. Four of his own soldiers are seen scattered around, either dead or dying, soaked in blood, suffering traumatic injury. The bloody scene is done by renowned ukiyo-e artist ...

Large 99-page Japanese mid-19th century composite album consisting of 33 of the more interesting, rare, and desirable oban-sized woodblock print triptychs produced during the late Edo period. Included are prints by Kuniyoshi (12), Kunisada I and II (7), Sadahide (5), Yoshikazu (3), Yoshitsuya (2), Hiroshige II (1), Yoshitora (1), Yoshimori (1), and Kunitsuna (1). The individual sheet size is 14 1/4"V x 9 3/4"H. The double-sided accordion format album was assembled after the prints were publis...