A stroll in Yokohama, Japan, around 1904

A Ride Through Time: Jinrikisha in Meiji-Era Yokohama

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 vintage lovers, travel history enthusiasts, and cultural interiors

About the Artwork

This exquisite hand-colored photograph from the Meiji era captures a moment of elegance and contrast on a winding hillside road in Negishi, Yokohama. Two women, dressed in luxurious kimonos and adorned with traditional hairstyles, sit in a jinrikisha (rickshaw), one of them holding a parasol for sun protection. Between them, a small child is carefully cradled, completing a touching family portrait.

The rickshaw puller, in a short work kimono and straw hat, represents the working-class backbone of urban transportation in Meiji Japan. His strong posture and focused gaze speak to the endurance required in this physically demanding occupation—an essential service before the rise of trains and automobiles.

The lush background contrasts beautifully with the formal grace of the passengers, showcasing the duality of modernity and tradition in 19th-century Japan. Taken in Yokohama, a city known for its early contact with the West, this image reflects both cultural pride and a transforming society.

This fine art reproduction print makes a compelling centerpiece for collectors of vintage Japanese photography and admirers of Meiji-era customs, aesthetics, and transportation history.