Transcription of a c.1913 Matsumoto-dō Print Catalog
The original of which may be found at Eastern Impressions: Western Printmakers and the Orient.

THE
CELEBRATED MATSUMOTO
COLOR PRINTS
GENUINE WOOD CUT PRINTS EXCLUSIVELY PRINTED BY HAND.
MATERIALS USED ARE PURELY JAPANESE.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND FASCINATING REPRODUCTIONS
OF THE KIND.
THE DESCRIPTIVE LISTS OF
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN
SUBJECTS.
PRINTED
BY
MATSUMOTO PRINT WORKS.
NAGOYA, JAPAN.
DISTRIBUTED & SOLD
BY
THE MATSUMOTO-DO.
TOKYO, JAPAN.

DESCRIPTIVE LIST.


No. 26.Seven Song-birds.

Seven meijiro (known as Japanese silver-eye) perching on a melon-vine. The Mejiro is one of the sweetest songbirds in Japan. The reproduction is from a famous and rare color-print, by Hiroshige the First.

No. 27.Shono, one of the Fifty-five Post-Towns on the Tokai Road.

Palanquin bearers (Kumo-suke) in feudal times in a shower in a mountain-pass. By Hiroshige.

No. 28.Daimyo Procession over the Mountain.

Kanayama, one of the fifty three post-towns on the Tokaido Line. The procession was magnificent and gigantic in old Japan.

No. 29.One of the Fifty-five Post-Towns along the Tokai Road.

This is entirely old style as it was drawn by the artist Hokusai, about one hundred years ago.

There are travelers on horse and in palanquin. The one who wears a deep straw cap (Amigasa) is a Ronin, or masterless Samurai, wandering about the country in order to acquire the practical discipline of Bushido. The sun sets in glorious colors.

No. 30.Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji seen from off the Beach of Tago-no-ura.

The views of Mt. Fuji are best when it casts its shadow on the waters.

“A white fan hangs in the eastern sky” are the words in which the view has been described by a celebrated poet.

No. 34.Spring Shower.

A party on a pleasure trip to see the flowers is overtaken by the spring showers. (An old caricature)

No. 35.Autumnal Wind.

Travelers anoyed by the hurricane.

Mt. Fuji appears in many pictures. (An old caricature)

No. 36.The Offing at Yokohama.

Mt. Fuji stands stately and cares not for the big waves that the boats are struggling with. This strong and powerful expression is characteristic of Hokusai's drawing.

No. 39.A Fairy Moon and a Lonely Shore.

Well known as “Awaji Island”. A simple picture of this kind is greatly appreciated by Japanese. The men carrying pails, as seen in the picture, are dipping water from the sea to make table-salt (Shio-kumi). The word “Shio-kumi” sounds very poetic us, so it has been a subject of poems and songs. A masterpiece by Hiroshige. A great favorite of our customers.

No. 40.Geisha Girl in Red Robe.

A dark, wet night; a girl wearing the out-door robe and walking on clogs. As she passes under the street lamp, its rays falling upon her, make her figure stand out in the light, and illuminate her robe. This is a reproductlon of an old master-piece. Great favorite of our customers.

No. 63.Country Dance for the Fruitful Year.

The dance, as seen in the picture, is performed in the harvest time of the year in Japan. For Japanese, rice is the most important food.

No. 72.View of Yabase.

One of the eight celebrated views of Omi. Fishing boats are returning to their moorings.

No. 76.View of Awazu.

One of the eight celebrated views of Omi. Spring breeze at Awazu.

No. 78.Seta Bridge.

Lake Biwa or Lake Omi. A legend runs that during the earthquake in the year 286 B. C. when Mt. Fuji rose out of the plain, lake Biwa at the same moment appeared. This view is one of the eight fine views of Omi, the sunset showing Mt. Hira, fishing boats returning to their moorings at Seta Bridge.

Seta Bridge is a very long bridge, about half a mile. A Japanese poem in the corner describes the whole scene, thus: an autumnal rain passes over the Mt. Hira and the last rays of setting sun rest lovingly on the bridge. “Haste makes waste” is proverbially well sung of this bridge: “One in haste should take a round-about way”.

No. 82.Fishing Hamlet.

A deserted fishing village in Tajima. The characteristics of North Japan are well shown in this picture.

No. 96.Women in up-to-date Costume.

It being snowy weather, they are wearing winter Kimono. The woman with the umbrella is a maid to the young lady. A Zukin (covering for the head) is generally worn by a lady in the winter. In this picture a typical part of Japanese life may be seen.

No. 97.Mt. Fuji in Storm.

A magnificent view of Fuji just beyond the ranges of waves over which hundreds of plovers are skimming.

No. 99.A Crane flying over the Water.

The crane, or the bird of a thousand years as we call it, has a very gentle nature, but can fly very high. The Japancse regard it as much worthy of imitation. It is often seen in our decorative schemes. On the occasion of a wedding, we place a pair of them in the “Toko-no-ma” (mantle-piece of a parlor). Thus silently reminding the bride and groom that they should imitate the virtues of the crane. On New Year's Day very extravagant cooks are given a crane. In the midst of rough waves the gentle crane seeks rest on a lonely rock.

No. 100.A Country Road among Rice-fields.

It is very strange and charming to see things of the farm—a plow, a saddle: the men in old kimono and straw hats. Mt. Fuji is on the horizon. The rural life of Japanese is interesting to foreigners.

No. 101.Two Cranes.

A pair of crane seeking their food in the reeds. Very simply treated by the famous living artist, Mr. Koson.

No. 102.Peacock and Cherry-tree. By Koson.
No. 103.Plovers over the Waves.

The name chidori (plovers) seems very poetical to Japanese; the famous song by Ota-Dokwan, (a famous Daimyo in old Japan) is introduced here. “The song of plovers shows whether the tide is flowing or ebbing”.

No. 104.Hares Bathing in the Moonlight.

The hare is traditionally associated with the moon in this country, because instead of saying, as Westerners do, that there is a man in the moon, we say that there is a hare to be seen there.

No. 105.An Eagle on a Tree.

The eagle is a bird of prey, but is considered by Japanese as a good omen. “If a sparrow is chased by an eagle and gets into a hunter's net the hunter will forgive it”. By Koson, a famous living artist.

No. 106.A Song-bird among Hydrangea.

This flower has a very luxurious growth, and is one of the charming flowers of Japan.

No. 107.A Pair of Ducks.

There is an old saying in Japan: “He is like a duck”, which means that a man who does not educate his own children is like a duck laying eggs anywhere he pleases.

No. 108.Fishing Hamlet.

A rocky promontory with a lttle fishing hamlet on the beach; Mt. Fuji is visible in the distance. Utopia. From a sketch by Hokusai, the famous artist.

No. 109.A Hawk on a Snow-covered Pine-tree.

This picture shows a touch of sympathy between the bird of prey and a little sparrow. See how the great bird holds the little bird under its feathers. The skill with which the artist paints the snow is worth being studied. By Koson.

No. 110.A Crane.

A bird of good omen. Living specimens can not be seen in Japan except in the Zoological Garden and in the Imperial Garden.

No. 111.Magpies in the Reeds.

This kind of dark picture is greatly appreciated by the Japanese.

No. 126.Roaring Wolf under the Crescent Moon.

The picture shows a wild mountain path. The wolf is one of the most dreaded animals in Japan. By Tetsuzan.

No. 145.A Crow on Withered Tree Covered by Snow.

Large-sized india-ink print. The beauty of this picturc is seen in the fine contrasts in color, as shown by the somber crow and the snow. An autumnal twilight, a crow, perched upon a withered willow. By Koson.

No. 153.Mt. Fuji Seen Through Willow-trees.

It is very interesting as showing the manner in which the different classes mingled 60 years ago. This picture shows a Samurai belting on his swords, his servant with packages on his shoulder, a country land-lord holding a stick, a pedler and some farmers, the willow trees hanging their twigs down like small threads that swing hither and thither in the wind. Mt. Fuji appears stately, as usual.

No. 154.Akasaka.

Night-view of Akasaka. Akasaka is one of the 53 post-towns on the Tokai-road. On the main roads of Japan shade trees are usually planted.

No. 155.Genroku Girl.

A girl in old Japanese coustume, called Genroku-Ori. The picture shows a girl going to bed.

No. 158.Horai Island.

“Horai Island” is the island of perpetual youth in the Japanese fairy lore. Many traditions are associated with this Island. By Josetsu.

No. 159.Wistaria and Bird.

The wistaria vine grows to a wonderful size, and lives to a long age in Japan. The blossoms grow in long sprays. This reproduction with the little blue bird resting on the vine is from a painting by Josetsu of Tokyo.

No. 162.View of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji is visible over the rice-fields at harvest. A monk offering a prayer of thanks to Heaven.

No. 164.Cock and Hen with Chickens under a Plum-tree.

Picking their food in the glorious morning of the new year's day. Cocks with crimson crests are beloved by Japanese as omens of happiness on this day.

No. 166.Peacock on a Rock.

The peacock, bamboo, and the Japanese pink are favorite subjects of Japanese artists. The original of this print is the finest painting of a peacock now existing in Japan.

No. 171.Bird flying over Chrysanthemum.

This is the most beautiful and the national flower of Japan. It has a mild color. From time immemorial it has been the emblem of the Imperial Court of Japan. The Festival of the Chrysanthemum is celebrated in the Court only. Some blossoms measure a foot in diameter.

No. 325.Leaping Carp.

The carp is symbolic of courage and bravery, as it swims up the swift stream or even the waterfall, according to some witnesses. The picture shows a carp jumping high out of the water. By Koson, a living artist.

No. 359.White Falcon on a Pine-tree.

This is the reproduction from Utamaro's old print. In the Tokugawa period the falcon was fed for hunting. Thus a falconer was in the high ranks. Even now falcons are used in the Court of the Emperor.

No. 360.Flying Cuckoo.

Grape vine, and a cuckoo on the wing. A charming picture.

No. 361.Cherry Blossoms.

This pretty picture shows the single-cherry blossoms. The red song-bird perching on a limb is the female “Kashidori”. The artist is Seiko of Nagoya.

No. 362.Autumn Tints.

This bright scene shows an autumn view of this country. A lady and her attendant are on a maple-seeing excursion. The autumn foliage is very beautiful in Japan.

No. 363.A Japanese Kingfisher.

The yellow bird in the picture is a Japanese kingfisher. The reproduction of Hiroshige’s famous picture.

No. 364.Poppies and Quails.

The picture of quails and wild poppies is a reproduction from the work of the famous artist, Hiroshige.

Eo. 365.Pine-tree of Karasaki.

The picturesque old pine tree of Karasaki is one of the eight celebrated views of Omi (or Lake Biwa). The reproduction of Kuniyoshi.

No. 366.Quails under the Moonlight.

A covey of quail in the wild grass seen by the light of the harvest moon.

No. 367.Fuji Yama.

Fuji Yama from the bay of Suruga near Suzukawa. This view is the mist perfect view of the mountain from the sea. Crows are unmolested in Japan, and they are great lovers of the water.

No. 368.Red Berries and Birds.

In the picture you see a branch of “Nanten” or nandina, a high bushy shrub which is evergreen, the red-berries remain on the bush all winter and drop in the spring. The birds are the “Kashidori”, a noisy, quarrelsome species of jay, which in captivity can be taught to say, “Kashi” (cake), “Otottosan” (papa), and “Okkasan”(mamma).

No. 369.Picture for Design.

The perfect reproduction from the old color-print by Keisai Yeisen. Keisai Yeisen is the successful follower of Hokusai.

No. 370.Picture for Design.

The reproduction of old Hokusai’s Carp. On the 5th of May, the boys’ festival, many artificial carp are hoisted on the tops of high poles. They float gaily in the breeze in front of every house where there is a boy. This signifies the hope that boys may become able to swim against the current in the stream of life as bravely as does the brave old carp in the swift waters.

No. 371.Bridges and Old Castles.

An old town, where there was a Daimyo Castle. Bridges are the entrance to this castle-city. People on the bridge are all in the costume then in fashion.

No. 372.The Curfew of Ueno.

Every morning and evening it tolls. Ueno is the largest park in Tokyo. There are cherry blossoms in Spring, temples, shrines, and other amusements for pleasure hunters. By Hiroshige.

No. 373.View of Tamagawa.

The Tama River runs west of Tokyo. It is famous for its fine views. Across the river is a natural wooden bridge. Two men in the water are gathering shells. By Hiroshige.

No. 374.Snow at Sanya.

This is one of the eight fine views of Tokyo. Bridges, ships, and trees are under snow. A reproduction from Hiroshige.

No. 375.Cherries at Koganei.

Thee famous place near Tokyo. The cherry-trees are planted on the sides of the river. When they are all in bloom the sight is very fine. A reproduction from Hiroshige.

No. 376.Fishing Village under Snow.

The picture shows a remote fishing village ; ships at anchor ; two wooden bridges are seen. This kind of picture is most appreciated by Japanese.

No. 377.View of Miyajima.

One of the three famous views of Japan. Sacred shrine entrance stands in the sea. When the tide rises the shrine seems floating on the water, while at ebb-tide one can walk to the shrine entrance. This kind of picture is greatly enjoyed by Japanese.

No. 378.Geisha Girl on New Year's Day.

Geisha and Hangyoku in old costumes, on high lacquered clogs, and tying Obi (a belt) in front. They use very long hair-pins.

No. 379.Mountain Stream.

Stream running quietly between mountains; at the border stands a mountain shrine.

No. 380.Cherries at Yoshino, “Thousand cherries at a glance”.

The Cherry blossom is the queen of flowers in Japan. Mt. Yoshino has been a place of note since the battle of Nanboku Ryocho (between the North and South Emperors, centuries ago.) Cherry blossoms are in full bloom. When seen from a distance, the whole mountain seems to be covered with pink-colored clouds. When cherries are in bloom, all ranks of men and women, young and old, go on “flower-seeing excursions”, with jugs of sake, to amuse themselves.

Their best time is when they are in full bloom. The blossom is the subject of poems and songs, of which there is a very popular one Motoori Norinaga, a celebrated poet: “if you want to know the Soul of the Samurai you can find it in the mountain cherry perfuming the morning’s sunlit air”.

No. 381.Yenoshima Island.

Very near famous Kamakura where there was a Kamakura Shogunate about seven hundred years ago. Yenoshima is a small island, but very beautiful. There is an enshrined water goddess. Many visitors go along the beach on foot at ebb tide, but at high tide one must pass over a very long bridge. By Hiroshige.

No. 382.Lake Suwa; famous for filature.

Lake Suwa, in Shinano prefecture, is the highest lake in Japan. In winter people go skating there. As this view represents the lake in spring, cherry blossoms are out, though Mt. Fuji is yet covered with snow. By Hiroshige.

No. 383.Night View of Sumida River in Rain.

The picture is well painted by Hiroshige. See the temples in the leafy woods and the old-fashioned houses, bridges, and ships in the rain. There are many bridges of which five great ones are popular. Ryogoku, rebult recently after the European fashion, has been very renowned among the people from the time of the Tokugawa Shogunate. On the upper and lower beaches, there are often fireworks in the evening. At that time the river is crowded with ships, decorated with lanterns.

No. 384.One of the Eight Views of Tokyo.

Flower-seeing pleasure boats on the River Sumida. Cherry blossoms are seen on the bank of the Sumida.

No. 385.Sailing Boats at Anchor under the Moon.

This is a view of a sea-coast of Japan in the evening. Japanese sailing boats, such as used from the most ancient times, coming back to their moorings after the hard toil on the glittering sea in the moonlight. A ship on the right has already cast anchor and is resting in the breeze. The landscape is very beautiful in the moonlight, especially in Fall. On the 15th of September a Lunar Festival is observed.

No. 386.A Beach.

Just one spot of white sail, silvery sand beach, green pine trees, and blue Italian sky are the most charming characteristic sight of Japan coast. Masterpiece by Yoshimune.

No. 387.Carp in a Pond.

Red and black carp are seen swimming, and near the bank there is water grass.

No. 388.View of Mt. Hira.

Mt. Hira is one of the eight celebrated views of Omi. The picture shows the avenue of pine-trees along the road. Travelers in a palanquin and on foot. Mt Hira is visible on the sky-line.

No. 389.Travelers in a Country Road.

The country road runs across a field, where there are grand cedar trees. The picture shows sunset.

No. 390.Rice-planting.

“Ta-Uye” or rice-planting sounds very poetical to us. The characteristics of Japanese rural life are truly seen in this work of the farmers.

They are planting the young-rice in the rain, singing a charming song as they work.

No. 391.Honmoku.

Honmoku, the old village of the present Yokohama. This little hamlet has jumped to the first rank among harbour cities since it was opened by Commodore Perry, of the American Navy. The picture shows fishing boats at this mooring.

No. 392.Ferry Boat on Lake Biwa.

The persons in the boat are all in old costume. The one in red is a girl, the other two passengers are merchants, and the man in the rear is the boatman. A little further on an angler is going to throw his line. The sailing boat behind the reeds is also a fishing boat.

No. 393.Famous Arched Bridge of Sumiyoshi Shrine.

This semi-circular bridge was built on the premises of the Sumiyoshi Shrine near Osaka several hundred years ago. You can not pass over it in haste, as it is too steep. This bridge is characteristic of Japan and indicates the thought of the Japanese, “Hustling is not genteel”.

No. 394.Ryogoku Bridge.

The full moon seen under the Ryogoku Brigde, over the Sumida.

The River Sumida runs through the city of Tokyo. There are many boats and ships on the river. By Hiroshige

No. 395.Sea-side Shrine under Snow.

This kind of view is characteristic of the Japanese sea-coast. The shrine seen in the picture is for the use of fishermen. By Hiroshige.

No. 396.Travelers and Spring Shower.

The picture shows a grain farm near the sea. Travelers annoyed by the shower. Many hay-stacks are seen dotted over the farm.

No. 397.Sea-side Village Covered by Snow.

Travelers with umbrellas and large straw caps, annoyed by the snow, deep on the road. There are many salt-making houses at the Beach.

No. 398.Sparrow on a Vine of Wild Melon.

A most delicate and charming picture. The fine workman-ship is visible in every touch. By Koson.

No. 400.Herons in the Bamboo and Iris.

The Picture is reconmended as design box for book-cover, screens, etc.

No. 401.Charming View of a Sea Point.

Fisherman in a boat casting a net, and near by there is a boat in which pleasure-seekers are taking the cool air.

No. 402.Fishing Village.

Father and his son in a boat. Father is about to cast a net; and the son is rowing the boat.

No. 403.Autumnal Landscape.

Water falling from the high rocks. The leaves have turned crimson.

No. 416.Puppies and Banana.

Five puppies, white and black, are playing under a banana plant. The elaborate workmanship is visible in the painting of the banana. This kind of picture is greatly appreciated by Japanese.

No. 417.Ohashi in Rain.

Ohashi is one of the five famous bridges in Tokyo. It was very recently rebuilt after the European fashion. People annoyed by a shower. By Hiroshige.

No. 418.Girl with Paper Lantern.

A girl on her way home at night on a lonely country road. The paper lantern is her only guide. By Hiroshige.

No. 419.Geisha Girl in Red Robe. (Card size.)

A dark, wet night; a girl, wearing the out-door robe, and walking on clogs. As she passes under the street lamp, its rays falling upon her make her figure stand out in the light and illuminate her robe. This is a reproduction of an old master-piece. A favorite of our customers.

No. 420.Three Birds.

Three birds seeking food among reeds in a marsh. The picture is very delicate and in fine harmony of color.

No. 421.Poppies and Bird.

Bird with yellow breast perching on poppies. Crimson poppies are pets of the florists.

No. 422.Iris and a Bee.

The Iris is one of the most charming flowers in this country. Reproduced from a rare picture by Koson.

No. 423.A Bird and “Mokuren”.

A tiny song bird perching on a branch of “Mokuren”.

No. 424.Sparrows on Hedge.

Two sparrows perching on a bamboo hedge; the nandina, “nanten” bearing red tiny berries.

No. 425.Spring Field.

Batterflies are flitting to and fro among the flowers.

No. 426.“Ayu” in the Stream.

“Ayu” (a kind of trout or smelt) is one of the best fish for food. The picture is very simple and charming. By Seiko.

No. 427.Mandarin Ducks.

A pair of mandarin ducks floating on a pond and searching for food among the reeds, under the full moon.

No. 428.Rural View by Moonlight.

The picture shows a remote country village. Rural houses are dotted among the farms; and a hay-stack is at the left-side. Crows are flying in the moonlight.

No. 429.Five-Storied Pagoda.

The Buddha's five-storied pagoda through the evergreen woods. The elaborate workmanship is shown in the balustrades of the pagoda. Picture in chiaroscuro.

No. 430.Ryogoku Bridge.

The picture shows the view of the famous Ryogoku Bridge seen from a boat. Many Pleasure boats are floating on the river under the full moon. A Samurai is crossing the bridge on his horse.

Silhouette in chiaroscuro. Reproduced from an old picture.

No. 431.Geisha Girl.

Geisha on her way to the tea house with her buffoons. Silhouette.

No. 432.Night Excursion.

View of Uyeno park (in Tokyo). The picture shows the night excursion for viewing cherry-blossoms. Geisha is sitting on a bench of “Cha-mise” (or Tea-house). Paper lanterns are hanging from the roof.

No. 433.Geisha Girl with Umbrella.

Geisha girl on her way to patron’s (Zashiki) in winter. Street lamp and a willow-tree under snow. The scene is very charming.

No. 434.Girls at River-side.

Picture silhouette in chiaroscuro. Two girls, standing with umbrellas at river-side in winter. Long wooden bridge is visible in the distance.

No. 435.Two Birds on a Cherry-tree.

A couple of tiny song-birds singing on a cherry-tree in full bloom. A very delicate picture. By Koson.

No. 436.Two birds on a tree.

Two tiny wrens. In good harmony of color. By Koson.

No. 437.Heron on a Willow-tree.

White heron on a stump of a willow. This is a specimen of elaborate art. By Koson.

No. 438.A bird on Morning-glory.

A small song bird singing on a vine of “Asagao”. Color of the feathers is in good harmony with that of the flower. By Koson.

No. 439.Lotus Flowers.

Lotus flowers in bloom and a tiny song bird perching on them. Drops of rain are falling from the leaves. By Koson.

No. 440.Three Birds on a Maple-tree.

Three tiny blue birds on a branch. The leaves have turned crimson. Very delicate in color. By Koson.

No. 441.Wild Geese over the Sea.

A couple of wild geese flying over the sea toward evening. The picture is very delicate and is most beloved by Japanese. By Koson.

No. 442.An Eagle on a Tree.

An eagle perching on a withered tree in a stormy night, and gazing at something in the dark. The picture is in good harmony of color.

No. 445.The Island of Thousand Pine Trees in Rain.

The old pine tree in front is quite gigantic and most graceful in its feature. The raft of tremendous length about 180 feet-length is easily managed by two men on the water. By Koson.

No. 446.The Old Willow Tree.

Two women with janome (paper umbrella) and a pedler on the long bridge and the white snow capped mountain and the village houses beyond. The old willow tree stands on the bank. By Sho-un.

No. 447.Quails in Moonlight.

Quails feeding under the full moon. By Koson.

No. 448.Magpie.

Magpie searching for food at the edge of a marsh. By Koson.