“Twenty-Five Views of the Capital” No. 18 (1895 Woodblocks)
Art by Morikawa Sōbun (1847-1902)
5 woodblocks complete (9 printable segments)
39 x 28 cm, double-side carving on 4 of 5 blocks

These are the carved woodblocks, based on the original art of Sōbun, that were used to create Image #18 from the Book: Miyako meisho nijyugokei
Published by: Tanaka Jihei (1895)
Accordion album of color woodblock prints
9 9/16 x 6 1/2 x 9/16 in. (24.29 x 16.51 x 1.49 cm)

Sōbun liked to depict well-known places around Kyoto. He is know for his original painting of nature scenes on silk.

The many international expositions in which Sōbun and the contemporary artists participated were encouraged by the government as it was a way for Japan to display unique products and break into foreign markets. The Paris Exposition Universelle of 1878, the 1873 Vienna World Exposition and the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 featured a growing number of Japanese exhibits. Morikawa Sōbun was represented in the Paris exhibitions and was awarded a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1900.