{"product_id":"antique-japanese-woodblock-postcard-mushi-uri-insect-seller-taisho-1920s-japan","title":"Antique Japanese Woodblock Postcard Mushi-uri Insect Seller Taisho 1920s Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal antique Japanese \u003cstrong\u003ewoodblock-printed postcard\u003c\/strong\u003e depicting a traditional \u003cstrong\u003emushi-uri (虫売り \/ insect seller)\u003c\/strong\u003e, dating from the \u003cstrong\u003elate 1910s to early 1920s, Taishō period\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA matching example of this exact design is documented online as a \u003cstrong\u003ewoodblock print postcard\u003c\/strong\u003e from the late 1910s or early 1920s. The sign above the vendor combines pictograms with the character \u003cstrong\u003e虫 (mushi \/ insect)\u003c\/strong\u003e and represents several types of singing insects traditionally sold in Japan, including \u003cstrong\u003ematsumushi, suzumushi, and kutsuwamushi\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe scene shows the seated insect seller beneath a willow tree, surrounded by finely depicted green insect cages in different forms. Insect sellers were a traditional seasonal feature of Japanese urban life, selling singing insects and decorative cages for people to enjoy at home. Historical research documents this trade from the Edo period into the Meiji and Taishō eras. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eSubject: \u003cstrong\u003eMushi-uri \/ insect seller\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eType: Antique Japanese postcard\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTechnique: \u003cstrong\u003eWoodblock printing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: \u003cstrong\u003eTaishō era\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eApprox. date: \u003cstrong\u003eLate 1910s–early 1920s\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Japan\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Paper\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTheme: Traditional Japanese occupations \/ seasonal culture \/ insect keeping\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003ePostage condition: Unposted\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eReverse: Early Japanese postcard format\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eOriginal period item\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery good antique condition with age-related toning and minor storage wear consistent with its age. Colors remain attractive and the woodblock impression is clear. Please examine the photographs carefully for exact condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is an uncommon early Japanese woodblock postcard documenting the traditional \u003cstrong\u003emushi-uri\u003c\/strong\u003e trade and the culture of keeping singing insects in decorative cages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free Worldwide Shipping from Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orient Art \u0026 Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50363360313601,"sku":null,"price":77300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/4236\/6721\/files\/57_1e597539-98e3-459a-b83a-3d7d5675ed0b.jpg?v=1789834817","url":"https:\/\/liveauctions.jp\/products\/antique-japanese-woodblock-postcard-mushi-uri-insect-seller-taisho-1920s-japan","provider":"Orient Art \u0026 Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}