Meiji and Taisho collction

Matthew Perry came and compelled the opening of Japan, then the last samurai generation Edo was closed by the Meiji Restoration. So the Meiji period was an interesting, dynamic period in which western and Japanese culture mixed for the first time in Japanese history. But even though it was short, the later Taisho period was very unique and it had its own "romantic and and slightly decadent" style.

I found this site "Meiji and Taisho" today. Since the English page is still under-construction, I will link to the Japanese. They say they built this site to introduce the tools, culture, and movement in the most drastic reforming days of Japan. This icon page has English instructions. I can't wait until this desktop page is complete. I hope they develop the site more.

I will link to some collections in my favorite folder. Meiji and Taisho Hikifuda collection: Hikifuda is a kind of paper ad. I like this The Seven Gods of Fortune. Kitche (hang on Robuster), fantasy (the small people are fairies of alcohol), cute (Where's Waldo?) and sometimes unidentified (wow, fashionable; he looks Spanish).

Meiji and Taisho photo post card collection:  These are a series of objective. Would you be happy getting this angry and smiling card?

Taisho and Showa old map collection: This site is not completed yet too, but you can check old maps in real size.

Comments

[KyotoCutie]

Here is another interesting site with information, pictures, desktops and icons for the Meiji/Taisho eras

http://www.meijitaisho.net/

[Charles]

Thanks Mari, those links are wonderful. I could explore them for hours. I found many amazing images, I especially want a calendar like this for 2007.

[Ferdinand]

Hi Mari,
thank you for the links! They are very interesting. Me too I am waiting to see the finished pages of the Meiji-Taisho collection.
Ferdinand