Antique Original Hiroshige III Atrib Woodblock Prints From the ‘Nihon Bussan Zue’ Series, a Pair

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Antique Original Meiji Period Hiroshige III Atrib Woodblock Prints, a Pair. Meiji period Japanese woodblock prints from the ‘Nihon Bussan … Read more Antique Original Meiji Period Hiroshige III Atrib Woodblock Prints, a Pair. Meiji period Japanese woodblock prints from the ‘Nihon Bussan Zue’ series, depicting regional industries of Japan, after designs associated with Hiroshige III.

A beautifully preserved pair of antique Japanese woodblock prints from the Meiji period (circa 1870–1885), taken from the illustrated series Nihon Bussan Zue (“Illustrated Compendium of Japanese Products”).
These detailed scenes depict traditional Japanese coastal fishing and agricultural harvesting practices, offering a rare glimpse into 19th-century daily life and regional industry. Rich in narrative and craftsmanship, the compositions reflect the influence of the Utagawa school, with finely rendered figures, soft natural color palettes, and integrated descriptive text panels.

Originally printed as part of a bound volume, each piece retains its authentic center fold, characteristic of Japanese woodblock book illustrations of the period.

Woodblock prints from Utagawa school, each finely detailed and hand-colored, depicting vibrant scenes of daily life in rural and coastal Japan. One image shows agricultural laborers harvesting in terraced fields with lush foliage and mountainous scenery in the background, while the other features fishermen handling a catch by the water's edge, set against a coastal backdrop. Both prints include vertical title cartouches and blocks of descriptive text in Japanese characters, and are presented in matching wood frames with off-white mats and navy blue inner borders.

Rough translation of Fishing themed print (summarized):

“In this region… along the seacoast…
fish are abundant…
fishermen gather and catch them…
the catch is processed and distributed…
this area is known for its production…”

Dimensions
Woodblock print sheet measures approximately 7" H x 9.25" W
Frame measures approximately 13.5" H x 16.5" W

Acquired at estate auction in 2026. See less