Japanese Woodblock Print Book

A man sprints across the page with a scroll unrolling behind him.

This woodblock print book, Samurai Stories, E-Hon Format, is from Japan and dates to the Meiji Period. It is ink, by an unknown artist. Illustrated e-hon carried popular tales, often from kabuki and historical legend, to a broad reading public. Here a figure in a blue patterned robe and red sash runs low, a sword at his hip and a long letter held out in both hands. Waves and willow fronds fill the backdrop, and flowing script runs down the upper panel. A pale post stands at the left edge. It is 4.7 inches wide and 7 high.

Urgent correspondence, delivered on foot.