YOSHIKAZU – American steam ship – Yokohama-e 1861 – Kurofune / Black Ship – Two Sheets of a Triptych - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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This original Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshikazu, dated 1861, comprises the left and centre sheets of a triptych depicting an American steamship and measures 36 × 73 cm.
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Description from the seller
** A Yokohama-e by Utagawa Yoshikazu from 1861, made in the first years after Yokohama opened to foreign trade. It shows an American steamship, one of the most striking subjects of the period. Offered here are the left and centre sheets of the triptych; the right sheet is not included. **
Artist: Utagawa Yoshikazu (Issen Yoshikazu, active c. 1850–1870)
Title: American Steamship (Amerika jōkisen, 亜墨利加蒸気船), measuring 40 ken in length and 6 ken in width
Technique: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Two ōban sheets (left and centre) of a triptych, each approx. 37 × 25 cm
Date: 1861 (Man’en 2 / Bunkyū 1, late Edo period)
Publisher: Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin), seal 丸甚板 on left sheet
Signature: Issen Yoshikazu ga (一川芳員画), on left sheet
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CONDITION
Fine impressions and condition, two small restorations on edges. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
____________________________________________________________
About the Print
In 1859, Yokohama opened as a treaty port. In a few years, a small fishing village became Japan’s main gateway to the West. Edo publishers quickly met the public’s curiosity with “Yokohama-e”: prints of foreign residents, their customs, and above all their ships. The boom lasted roughly from 1860 to 1862 and produced some of the most unusual prints of the late Edo period.
Yoshikazu, a pupil of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, was one of the most prolific designers of Yokohama-e. Together with Maruya Jinpachi he produced several triptychs of American steamships in 1861. The full title of this design gives the ship’s dimensions as 40 ken long and 6 ken wide. A ken was a traditional unit of slightly under two metres, which makes the ship roughly 70–80 metres long. Recording measurements like these reflects how keen the Japanese public was for factual information about Western technology.
Complete impressions of this triptych are held in institutional and private collections. These two sheets offer the main part of the design, with the signature and publisher’s seal, at a fraction of the cost of the complete set.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
** A Yokohama-e by Utagawa Yoshikazu from 1861, made in the first years after Yokohama opened to foreign trade. It shows an American steamship, one of the most striking subjects of the period. Offered here are the left and centre sheets of the triptych; the right sheet is not included. **
Artist: Utagawa Yoshikazu (Issen Yoshikazu, active c. 1850–1870)
Title: American Steamship (Amerika jōkisen, 亜墨利加蒸気船), measuring 40 ken in length and 6 ken in width
Technique: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Format: Two ōban sheets (left and centre) of a triptych, each approx. 37 × 25 cm
Date: 1861 (Man’en 2 / Bunkyū 1, late Edo period)
Publisher: Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin), seal 丸甚板 on left sheet
Signature: Issen Yoshikazu ga (一川芳員画), on left sheet
_______________________________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Fine impressions and condition, two small restorations on edges. Please check the images carefully before bidding!
____________________________________________________________
About the Print
In 1859, Yokohama opened as a treaty port. In a few years, a small fishing village became Japan’s main gateway to the West. Edo publishers quickly met the public’s curiosity with “Yokohama-e”: prints of foreign residents, their customs, and above all their ships. The boom lasted roughly from 1860 to 1862 and produced some of the most unusual prints of the late Edo period.
Yoshikazu, a pupil of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, was one of the most prolific designers of Yokohama-e. Together with Maruya Jinpachi he produced several triptychs of American steamships in 1861. The full title of this design gives the ship’s dimensions as 40 ken long and 6 ken wide. A ken was a traditional unit of slightly under two metres, which makes the ship roughly 70–80 metres long. Recording measurements like these reflects how keen the Japanese public was for factual information about Western technology.
Complete impressions of this triptych are held in institutional and private collections. These two sheets offer the main part of the design, with the signature and publisher’s seal, at a fraction of the cost of the complete set.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
36 cm
Width
73 cm
Title of artwork
YOSHIKAZU – American steam ship – Yokohama-e 1861 – Kurofune / Black Ship – Two Sheets of a Triptych
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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