Japanese cargo ship, around 1875

Across Calm Waters: Japanese Cargo Vessel in the Meiji Era (1868–1912)

Details:
• Historic fine art reproduction of a hand-colored Meiji-era (1868–1912) photograph
• Printed on archival-grade, museum-quality paper for longevity and clarity
• Inspected individually, printed to order in the USA
• Ideal for collectors of maritime history, vintage photography, and Japanese heritage

About the Artwork

This serene hand-colored photograph from the Meiji era (1868–1912) captures a traditional Japanese cargo vessel—wasen—gliding across still coastal waters. With its broad sails fully unfurled and a sturdy wooden hull built for trade, the ship illustrates the enduring ingenuity of pre-industrial Japanese shipbuilding.

The elegant rigging and sweeping silhouette of the vessel are depicted in soft sepia tones, enhanced by delicate hand-coloring that gives the image a timeless, almost meditative quality. On deck, crew members are faintly visible, reminding us of the human labor behind Japan’s once-thriving maritime economy.

These cargo vessels were essential to daily life during the Meiji era, ferrying goods between islands and along inland routes. This scene not only honors the craft of Japanese naval design but also evokes the rhythm and stillness of waterborne commerce before the age of steam.

A sophisticated and historically rich piece, this fine art print offers a unique window into Meiji Japan’s maritime world. It’s a perfect choice for lovers of nautical history, antique photography, and East Asian visual culture.