Large woodblock printed illustration of Ainu bear strangling by Tomoe Sanjin (Kimura Tomoe)
[Japan] Large woodblock print showing a rather outnumbered bear being killed by a group of Ainu men. Bears played an important part in Ainu culture and were captured to be killed for food while cubs were known to be kept as pets. Bear-related ceremonies were also held. The print is signed Tomoe Sanjin which was the artist name of Kimura Tomoe whose real name was Kimura Mankichi (dates unknown).
Nihonbashi [Tokyo]. Matsuda Kameshichi. 1892. Printed by Hikosaka Jisaburo.
32.4 x 49.5cm.
In good to very good condition. Some wear, minor darkening to edges, and a couple of marks. Folded down centre. u37051879
