Original Kajita Hanko Woodblock Print “The Peddler” – Meiji Period Kuchi-e Illustration from Florian’s Fables, Mount Fuji, Japanese Woodblock Print

This post is also available in:

Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Kajita Hanko (1870–1917)
This charming Meiji-era color woodblock print (nishiki-e / kuchi-e style) depicts a peddler or street performer giving a demonstration to a curious crowd gathered by the riverside, with the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji rising in the background. It perfectly captures everyday life in Japan at the turn of the 20th century.

Artist: Kajita Hanko (梶田半古), renowned for his delicate kuchi-e frontispieces for literary magazines and books. His work is celebrated for expressive figures, fine linework, and blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern Meiji influences.

– Period: Circa 1900–1906 (Meiji period).
– Style: Color woodblock print (nishiki-e), created as an illustration for the second volume of the Florian fables series. (Selected Fables by Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian), published in Tokyo with contributions from Japanese artists including Kajita Hanko.

Dimensions:
– Print size: 13.38 x 9.44 inches (34 x 24 cm)
– Mat size: 19.68 x 13.77 inches (50 x 35 cm) unframed

This rare piece is a wonderful example of Meiji-period book illustration, bridging traditional ukiyo-e techniques with Western literary themes. Ideal for collectors of Japanese woodblock prints, kuchi-e, Kajita Hanko, Mount Fuji art, or Meiji-era art.

Note: Not from Hokusai’s Manga (common misattribution for sketch-style works). This is a confirmed Kajita Hanko illustration from the Florian fables series.

Additional photos are available in the top left corner of the listing. Feel free to check them out! — Click on one to see a larger, close-up view!

Want to pay in euros? Before placing your order, click the orange word “French” located just below the main product photo. This instantly switches the page to the French version with prices in €.