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Item Type: Poster
Year: c.1886 - 140 years old
Artist:
Size: 10.0" x 14.25" (25cm x 36cm)
Condition:
This Meiji-period hikifuda from 1886 features a powerful hawk descending onto a bamboo pole, its wings spread dramatically across the composition. Created by Utagawa Kunitoshi, a pupil of the celebrated ukiyo-e artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, the print demonstrates how traditional Japanese woodblock artistry was adapted for the rapidly developing world of commercial advertising.
A hikifuda was a promotional print distributed by Japanese merchants to customers, often around the New Year. Beautiful imagery encouraged recipients to display the piece in their homes or businesses, while practical information such as calendars kept the merchant's name visible throughout the year. This example was commissioned by Tokyo lumber merchant Matsumoto Matsunosuke and incorporates a calendar for Meiji 19, or 1886.
The hawk, or taka, was an auspicious subject associated with strength, keen vision, and success. Its commanding presence was particularly appropriate for a merchant wishing customers prosperity in the coming year. The bold diagonal composition and sense of movement also reflect the dynamic style associated with the school of Kunitoshi's teacher, Yoshitoshi.
The advertisement dates from a period of enormous transformation in Tokyo. Railroads, Western-style architecture, and modern infrastructure were rapidly changing the city, creating strong demand for building materials and an expanding lumber trade. At the same time, established crafts such as Japanese woodblock printing continued to thrive by finding new commercial applications.
Originally intended as a New Year promotional gift and practical calendar, this hikifuda brings together fine woodblock printing, traditional symbolism, and the emerging advertising culture of Meiji Japan. Because dated advertising calendars were often discarded once the year ended, surviving examples provide a fascinating record of everyday business and graphic design in nineteenth-century Tokyo
Size: 14.25" x 10.0"
Artist: Utagawa Kunitoshi
Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.
Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.
We us a widely recognized 6 scale system to grade our posters.
All items are carefully hand-packed and shipped in a sturdy tube within 3 business days of payment unless otherwise indicated. Some items which were previously folded or not suitable for rolling will be sent in a flat pack. Please note that an adult signature may be required upon delivery, so we are unable to ship to PO boxes.
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Posters
Antique Prints, Cover Art & Illustrations
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Our Guarantee
All of our posters are guaranteed to be authentic and as described in the product description to the best of our knowledge and belief, and in good faith. Quite simply, if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply contact us within 14 days of receipt and we'll gladly accept your return, providing the item is in the same condition as it was sent.
Returns
Our policy lasts 14 days. If 14 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it. It must also be sent in the original packaging.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable). Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. Any item that is returned more than 14 days after delivery may also be ineligible.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. Your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within two business days. Original shipping costs are not refundable.
Shipping
To return your product, you should mail your product to:
Authentic Vintage Posters- RETURNS
7514 Girard Ave
STE 1615
La Jolla, CA 92037
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
If you are returning an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service and purchasing shipping insurance. We can't guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
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