Superb woodblock printed map of Yokohama by Utagawa Yoshikazu
[Japan] One of the nicest, early maps of Yokohama showing the port with numerous vessels and the surrounding area. Yoshikazu produced a number of woodblock prints of foreigners and foreign-related scenes of Yokohama. The colophon states that the map was first published in 1865 and this is a reprint of 1868. We have never seen an 1865 edition of the map. The publisher, Morookaya Ihei also published other woodblock prints and books targeted at foreigners in Japan. The photographer, Shimooka Renjo, rented a building from Morookaya for his first photo studio in 1862 at No.5 Bentendori. Signed at lower left, Ichikawa Yoshikazu.
5 Bentendori [Yokohama]. Morookaya Ihei. 1868.
90.3 x 50.2cm.
In very good to fine condition. Only very minor wear and creasing. Folds up nicely. 'Yokohama Map' written in Japanese with old seal on rear. Unbacked as issued. m34041171
