Original 1872 colour woodblock print by Kuniteru II: “The First Steam Train in Japan”.

Artist: Kuniteru II (1829 - 1874)

Title: "The First Steam Train in Japan".

Date:1872.

Medium: Colour woodblock print on washi paper.

Notes: This 2-4-0 tank engine was the one that started the railway age in Japan. It was one of a group of ten locomotives built by various manufacturers in Great Britain to work Japan's first railway opened between Shimbashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama in 1871. It was built by the Vulcan Foundry of Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, and still survives today in the Japanese railway museum. This woodblock print portrays it as it appeared when it first ran. It is widely believed that the Imperial Japanese Government Railways used a livery of light brown or golden ochre for its locomotives imported from Britain.

Japanese artists, including Hiroshige, were fascinated by this technological marvel and Kuniteru II produced several woodblock prints of this momentous event in Japan's history.

Condition: The print is in fair/good condition. The paper has darkened over the years, there are small tears and holes in the margins and slight creases. Nevertheless, it is a good impression with strong colours. Kuniteru's signature is in the left margin under the round censor seal. Guaranteed original.

Size: Size of paper: c. 370x250 mm.