{"product_id":"bookstore-1","title":"New Year Calendar, Japanese Merchant Ad","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA \u003cem\u003ehikifuda\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hawk, or \u003cem\u003etaka\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginally 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\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14.25\" x 10.0\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Utagawa Kunitoshi\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Authentic Vintage Posters","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45191747731571,"sku":"P8244","price":240.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0088\/3005\/8556\/files\/edited_9d202554-ef8a-4387-ab1c-f2061c0d485e.jpg?v=1783553170","url":"https:\/\/www.authenticvintageposters.com\/products\/bookstore-1","provider":"Authentic Vintage Posters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}