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Japan: 'Actor Sakata Hangoro III'. Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei (1762-1819), c. 1790.<br/><br/> Katsukawa Shun'ei (1762 - 13 December 1819), real name Isoda Shun'ei, was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist from Tokyo. He joined the Katsukawa school of ukiyo-e artists, and mainly designed <i>yakusha-e kabuki</i> portraits, though he also dabbled in <i>musha-e</i> warrior prints and prints of sumo wrestlers. He became head of the Katsukawa school in 1800.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell (1790-1868) was an American geographer born in Connecticut. He first worked as a teacher before eventually focusing his time on publishing geographical maps and textbooks, a subject he had become involved in after realising that what geographical resources available to teachers were of poor quality. He moved to Philadelphia in either 1829 or 1830, where he founded his company, publishing materials that covered all genres of geography.
Samuel Augustus Mitchell (1790-1868) was an American geographer born in Connecticut. He first worked as a teacher before eventually focusing his time on publishing geographical maps and textbooks, a subject he had become involved in after realising that what geographical resources available to teachers were of poor quality. He moved to Philadelphia in either 1829 or 1830, where he founded his company, publishing materials that covered all genres of geography.
Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish German (5 March 1512 – 2 December 1594) was a cartographer renowned for creating a world map based on a new projection which represented sailing courses of constant bearing as straight lines—an innovation that is still employed in nautical charts used for navigation.<br/><br/> In his own day he was the world's most famous geographer but, in addition, he had interests in theology, philosophy, history, mathematics and magnetism as well as being an accomplished engraver, calligrapher and maker of globes and scientific instruments.
Yamato Takeru (c. 72-113), originally known as Prince Osu, was a legendary and mythical figure in Japan. He was a prince of the Yamato Dynasty, son of 12th emperor of Japan, Emperor Keiko. The life and death of Yamato are primarily chronicled in the tales 'Kojiki' (712 CE) and 'Nihon Shoki' (720 CE).<br/><br/> For slaying his elder brother, Osu was sent to fight in Izumo Province by his father, who feared his brutal temperament. Instead of being killed however, Osu succeeded in defeating his enemies and was gifted the title 'Yamato Takeru' (The Brave of Yamato). His father was not convinced, still fearing him and wishing his death.<br/><br/> Next, Yamato was sent eastwards to deal with those who had disobeyed the imperial court, armed with the holy sword 'Kusanagi'. During a great storm, his wife sacrificed herself to appease the sea god, and in his anger he defeated many enemies. However, his blaspheming of a local god of Mount Ibuki led to him being cursed and dying. His soul turned into a great white bird and flew away. His tomb is located in Ise Province, and is known as the Mausoleum of the White Plover.
John Tyler (March 29, 1790 – January 18, 1862) was the tenth President of the United States (1841–45). He was also, briefly, the tenth vice president (1841), elected to that office on the 1840 Whig ticket with William Henry Harrison.<br/><br/> Tyler became president after Harrison's death in April 1841, only a month after the start of the new administration. Known to that point as a supporter of states' rights, which endeared him to his fellow Virginians, his actions as president showed that he was willing to back nationalist policies as long as they did not infringe on the powers of the states. A firm believer in manifest destiny, President Tyler sought to strengthen and preserve the Union through territorial expansion, most notably the annexation of the independent Republic of Texas in his last days in office.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A renowned polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.<br/><br/> As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He facilitated many civic organizations, including Philadelphia's fire department and a university.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first success was a group of 12 portraits called the Ishu Retsuzo. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first success was a group of 12 portraits called the Ishu Retsuzo. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first success was a group of 12 portraits called the Ishu Retsuzo. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first success was a group of 12 portraits called the Ishu Retsuzo. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
The Mutiny on the Bounty was a mutiny aboard the Royal Navy ship HMS Bounty on 28 April 1789. The mutiny was led by Fletcher Christian against their captain, Lieutenant William Bligh.<br/><br/> Eighteen mutineers set Bligh afloat in a small boat with eighteen of the twenty-two crew loyal to him. To avoid detection and prevent desertion, the mutineers then variously settled on Pitcairn Island or on Tahiti and burned Bounty off Pitcairn.
George Adams, the Younger (1750 - 1795), son of George Adams (c. 1709 - 1773), was the author of a number of influential scientific works, including <i>Essays on the Microscope</i>, <i>Astronomical and Geographical Essays</i> and <i>Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy</i>. He was also a globe maker.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first success was a group of 12 portraits called the Ishu Retsuzo. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Raijin is a god of lightning, thunder and storms in the Shinto religion and in Japanese mythology. He is typically depicted as a demonic spirit beating drums to create thunder, usually with a tomoe symbol drawn on the drums.<br/><br/> Fujin or Futen is the Japanese god of the wind and one of the eldest Shinto gods. He is generally depicted as a terrifying wizard-like demon carrying a large bag of winds on his shoulders.<br/><br/> In Japanese art, the deity is often depicted together with Raijin, the god of lightning, thunder and storms.
Kitagawa Utamaro was a Japanese artist. He is one of the most highly regarded practitioners of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints, especially for his portraits of beautiful women, or bijin-ga. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects.<br/><br/> Utamaro's work reached Europe in the mid-nineteenth century, where it was very popular, enjoying particular acclaim in France. He influenced the European Impressionists, particularly with his use of partial views and his emphasis on light and shade, which they imitated. The reference to the 'Japanese influence' among these artists often refers to the work of Utamaro.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Katsushika Hokusai (October 31, 1760 – May 10, 1849) was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. He was influenced by such painters as Sesshu, and other styles of Chinese painting. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai is best known as author of the woodblock print series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjūroku-kei, c. 1831) which includes the internationally recognized print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, created during the 1820s.<br/><br/> Hokusai created the 'Thirty-Six Views' both as a response to a domestic travel boom and as part of a personal obsession with Mount Fuji. It was this series, specifically The Great Wave print and Fuji in Clear Weather, that secured Hokusai’s fame both in Japan and overseas.
<i>Bugaku</i>, a court dance accompanied by <i>Gagaku</i> music, is a Japanese traditional dance blending Buddhist and Shinto elements that has been performed to select elites mostly in Japanese imperial courts for over twelve hundred years.<br/><br/> In this way it has been an upper class secret, although after World War II the dance was opened to the public and has even toured around the world in 1959. The dance is marked by its slow, precise and regal movements.<br/><br/> The dancers wear intricate traditional Buddhist costumes, which usually include equally beautiful masks. The music and dance pattern is often repeated several times. It is performed on a square platform, usually 6m by 6m.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Dejima (literally 'exit island'; Dutch: Desjima or Deshima, sometimes latinised as Decima or Dezima) was a small fan-shaped artificial island built in the bay of Nagasaki in 1634. This island, which was formed by digging a canal through a small peninsula, remained as the single place of direct trade and exchange between Japan and the outside world during the Edo period.<br/><br/> Dejima was built to constrain foreign traders as part of the 'sakoku' self-imposed isolationist policy. Originally built to house Portuguese traders, it changed to a Chinese and Dutch trading post from 1641 until 1853. Covering an area of 120 m x 75 m (9000 square meters, or 0.9 hectares) it later became integrated into the city. 'Dejima Dutch Trading Post' has been designated a Japanese national historic site.
<i>Bugaku</i>, a court dance accompanied by <i>Gagaku</i> music, is a Japanese traditional dance blending Buddhist and Shinto elements that has been performed to select elites mostly in Japanese imperial courts for over twelve hundred years.<br/><br/> In this way it has been an upper class secret, although after World War II the dance was opened to the public and has even toured around the world in 1959. The dance is marked by its slow, precise and regal movements.<br/><br/> The dancers wear intricate traditional Buddhist costumes, which usually include equally beautiful masks. The music and dance pattern is often repeated several times. It is performed on a square platform, usually 6m by 6m.
The Atlantic slave trade or transatlantic slave trade took place across the Atlantic Ocean from the 16th through to the 19th centuries. The vast majority of those enslaved that were transported to the New World, many on the triangular trade route and its Middle Passage, were West Africans from the central and western parts of the continent sold by western Africans to western European slave traders, or by direct European capture to the Americas.<br/><br/> The numbers were so great that Africans who came by way of the slave trade became the most numerous Old World immigrants in both North and South America before the late 18th century. Far more slaves were taken to South America than to the north. The South Atlantic economic system centered on producing commodity crops, and making goods and clothing to sell in Europe, and increasing the numbers of African slaves brought to the New World.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first success was a group of 12 portraits called the Ishu Retsuzo. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Isoda Koryūsai (礒田湖龍斎 1735-1790) was a Japanese printmaker and painter active from approximately 1764 to 1788.<br/><br/> The details of his life are under some dispute. He apparently came from a samurai background. One theory stated he became a rōnin and was forced to turn to art, but another says he voluntarily gave up the life of a samurai for art. In 1781 he received the title Hokkyo for his talent and accomplishments. That he was so honored is one of the rare statements that is generally agreed to. There are those who believe he was a pupil of Harunobu, but this is disputed. Although some of his prints survived few of his paintings did.<br/><br/> That said it is known that he was a prolific artist. His subjects ranged from Confucian virtues, to birds, to herblore, and also included hundreds of erotica prints.
John Tyler (March 29, 1790 – January 18, 1862) was the tenth President of the United States (1841–45). He was also, briefly, the tenth vice president (1841), elected to that office on the 1840 Whig ticket with William Henry Harrison.<br/><br/> Tyler became president after Harrison's death in April 1841, only a month after the start of the new administration. Known to that point as a supporter of states' rights, which endeared him to his fellow Virginians, his actions as president showed that he was willing to back nationalist policies as long as they did not infringe on the powers of the states. A firm believer in manifest destiny, President Tyler sought to strengthen and preserve the Union through territorial expansion, most notably the annexation of the independent Republic of Texas in his last days in office.
Kakizaki Hakyo (June 25, 1764 - July 26, 1826) was a samurai artist from the Matsumae clan. His first artistic success was a group of 12 portraits called the <i>Ishu Retsuzo</i>. The portraits were of 12 Ainu chiefs from the northern area of Ezo, now Hokkaido.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790 – 1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830).<br/><br/> He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経, 1159 – June 15, 1189) was a general of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura period. Yoshitsune was the ninth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, and the third and final son and child that Yoshitomo would father with Tokiwa Gozen.<br/><br/> Yoshitsune's older brother Minamoto no Yoritomo (the third son of Yoshitomo) founded the Kamakura shogunate. Yoshitsune's name in childhood was Ushiwakamaru (牛若丸). He is considered one of the greatest and the most popular warriors of his era, and one of the most famous samurai fighters in the history of Japan. Isoda Koryūsai (礒田湖龍斎 1735–c.1790) was a Japanese printmaker and painter active from approximately 1764 to 1788.<br/><br/> The details of his life are under some dispute. He apparently came from a samurai background. One theory stated he became a rōnin and was forced to turn to art, but another says he voluntarily gave up the life of a samurai for art. In 1781 he received the title Hokkyo for his talent and accomplishments. That he was so honored is one of the rare statements that is generally agreed to. There are those who believe he was a pupil of Harunobu, but this is disputed. Although some of his prints survived few of his paintings did.<br/><br/> That said it is known that he was a prolific artist. His subjects ranged from Confucian virtues, to birds, to herblore, and also included hundreds of erotica prints.
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek Titan Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes on the Greek island of Rhodes by Chares of Lindos between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was constructed to celebrate Rhodes' victory over the ruler of Cyprus, Antigonus I Monophthalmus, whose son unsuccessfully besieged Rhodes in 305 BC. Before its destruction, the Colossus of Rhodes stood over 30 meters (107 ft) high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world.
Tipu's Tiger belonged to Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore (1782-1799). The almost life-size wooden automaton represents a tiger mauling a prostrate figure in European clothes. There is an organ inside the tiger's body. When a handle is turned, the organ plays and the victim's arm rises and falls.<br/><br/> The tiger was taken by the British from the palace at Mysorel after the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799. It was sent to the headquarters of the East India Company in London where it was exhibited. It was later transferred to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensingtion.
Tipu's Tiger belonged to Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore (1782-1799). The almost life-size wooden automaton represents a tiger mauling a prostrate figure in European clothes. There is an organ inside the tiger's body. When a handle is turned, the organ plays and the victim's arm rises and falls.<br/><br/> The tiger was taken by the British from the palace at Mysorel after the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799. It was sent to the headquarters of the East India Company in London where it was exhibited. It was later transferred to the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensingtion.
Khaw Soo Cheang was a Chinese immigrant from Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. He was an officer of the Small Swords Secret Society, which was fighting to restore the Ming Dynasty. In 1810 he arrived in Penang and stayed in Sungai Tiram where he engaged in small-scale vegetable farming. Once a week Khaw Soo Cheang would take his produce down to Jelutong to sell. Khaw Soo Cheang subsequently went into trading and started a small sundries shop business under the name of Koe Guan. Subsequently he started trading up the coast of what is today Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> Khaw Soo Cheang had six sons, of which Khaw Sim Cheng was the eldest, Khaw Sim Kong the second, Khaw Sim Chua the third, Khaw Sim Khim the fourth, Khaw Sim Teik the fifth, and Khaw Sim Bee the sixth. The eldest son Sim Cheng is believed to be the son by his China born wife who remains unknown to the descendants today. Sim Kong, Sim Chua, Sim Khim and Sim teik are the sons of his wife Sit Kim Lean who is venerated by the descendants as the lady ancestor and is buried in Ranong. Sim Bee his youngest son was from one of his Thai Wives.<br/><br/> From trading Khaw Soo Cheang diversified into tin mining, shipping and supplying immigrant labourers. In 1844 he was appointed Royal Collector of tin royalties in the Ranong area, and received the title Luang Ratanasethi. In 1854 King Mongkut made him governor of Ranong and elevated him to the rank of Phra. At the time Ranong was subordinate to Chumphon province, but in 1864 it was elevated to full provincial status, and Khaw Soo Cheang became a Phraya. He successfully defended the new province against being invaded and annexed by the Burmese. The family became close to the Thai royal court, especially Prince Damrong, who stayed at the family home in Penang, which was named Chakrabong in honour of the Thai royal family. in 1872 Khaw Soo Cheang who was then an old man of 81 sailed back to China where he married an 18-year-old girl.
A painting of a trade ship heading from Nagasaki to Vietnam, from the Gaiban Shokan. This book was prepared as a reference work for 'Gaiban Tsusho', the compilation of diplomatic documents of the Tokugawa shogunate, prepared by Kondo Seisai (1771 - 1829), who served as the magistrate of Nagasaki and the magistrate of books and records. It contains copies of diplomatic papers, including 33 certificates impressed with the shogun's vermillion seal for officially authorized trips to Annam (Vietnam), the Netherlands, and Luzon (in the Philippines). It was completed in the first year of Bunsei (1818), and the two sets of two-volumes were presented to the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1819.<br/><br/> Shuinsen, or 'Red Seal ships', were Japanese armed merchant sailing ships bound for Southeast Asian ports with a red-sealed patent issued by the early Tokugawa shogunate in the first half of the 17th century. Between 1600 and 1635, more than 350 Japanese ships went overseas under this permit system. Japanese merchants mainly exported silver, diamonds, copper, swords and other artifacts, and imported Chinese silk as well as some Southeast Asian products (like sugar and deer skins). Pepper and spices were rarely imported into Japan, where people did not eat a great deal of meat due to the local preponderance of adherents to the Buddhist belief system.<br/><br/> Southeast Asian ports provided meeting places for Japanese and Chinese ships. In 1635, the Tokugawa shogunate, fearful of Christian influence, prohibited Japanese nationals from overseas travel, thus ending the period of red-seal trade. This measure was tacitly approved of by Europeans, especially the Dutch East India Company, who saw their competition reduced.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790 – 1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830).<br/><br/> He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Nihonbashi (日本橋, literally Japan Bridge), or Nihombashi, is a business district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan which grew up around the bridge of the same name which has linked two sides of the Nihonbashi River at this site since the 17th century.<br/><br/> The first wooden bridge was completed in 1603, and the current bridge made of stone dates from 1911. The district covers a large area to the north and east of the bridge, reaching Akihabara to the north and the Sumida River to the east. Ōtemachi is to the west and Yaesu and Ginza to the south.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Kitagawa Utamaro, perhaps the most celebrated artist of the 'bijin' genre of portraying beautiful women, was fascinated by images of mother and child in daily life.<br/><br/> This print belongs to a series entitled <i>Fuzoku Bijin Tokei</i> ( Daily Customs of Beautiful Women). To illustrate midnight, Utamaro has chosen a mother who sleepily emerges from her mosquito net to attend to her child, who rubs the sleep from his eyes.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790 – 1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830).<br/><br/> He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Samurai is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. By the end of the 12th century, samurai became almost entirely synonymous with bushi, and the word was closely associated with the middle and upper echelons of the warrior class.<br/><br/> The samurai followed a set of rules that came to be known as Bushidō. While they numbered less than ten percent of Japan's population, samurai teachings can still be found today in both everyday life and in martial arts such as Kendō, meaning the way of the sword.
Shunga (春画?) is a Japanese term for erotic art. Most shunga are a type of ukiyo-e, usually executed in woodblock print format. While rare, there are extant erotic painted handscrolls which predate the Ukiyo-e movement. Translated literally, the Japanese word shunga means picture of spring; 'spring' is a common euphemism for sex.<br/><br/>The ukiyo-e movement as a whole sought to express an idealisation of contemporary urban life and appeal to the new chōnin class. Following the aesthetics of everyday life, Edo period shunga varied widely in its depictions of sexuality. As a subset of ukiyo-e it was enjoyed by all social groups in the Edo period, despite being out of favour with the shogunate. Almost all ukiyo-e artists made shunga at some point in their careers, and it did not detract from their prestige as artists. Classifying shunga as a kind of medieval pornography can be misleading in this respect.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790 – 1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830).<br/><br/> He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Oiran (花魁) were the courtesans of Edo period Japan. The oiran were considered a type of yūjo (遊女) 'woman of pleasure' or prostitute. However, they were distinguished from the yūjo in that they were entertainers, and many became celebrities of their times outside the pleasure districts. Their art and fashions often set trends among the wealthy and, because of this, cultural aspects of oiran traditions continue to be preserved to this day.<br/><br/> The oiran arose in the Edo period (1600–1868). At this time, laws were passed restricting brothels to walled districts set some distance from the city center. In the major cities these were the Shimabara in Kyoto, the Shinmachi in Osaka, and the Yoshiwara in Edo (present-day Tokyo).<br/><br/> These rapidly grew into large, self-contained 'pleasure quarters' offering all manner of entertainments. Within, a courtesan’s birth rank held no distinction, which was fortunate considering many of the courtesans originated as the daughters of impoverished families who were sold into this lifestyle as indentured servants. Instead, they were categorized based on their beauty, character, education, and artistic ability.<br/><br/> Among the oiran, the tayū (太夫) was considered the highest rank of courtesan and were considered suitable for the daimyo or feudal lords. In the mid-1700s courtesan rankings began to disappear and courtesans of all classes were collectively known simply as 'oiran'.<br/><br/> The word oiran comes from the Japanese phrase oira no tokoro no nēsan (おいらの所の姉さ) which translates as 'my elder sister'. When written in Japanese, it consists of two kanji, 花 meaning 'flower', and 魁 meaning 'leader' or 'first', hence 'Leading Flower' or 'First Flower'.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Khaw Soo Cheang was a Chinese immigrant from Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. He was an officer of the Small Swords Secret Society, which was fighting to restore the Ming Dynasty. In 1810 he arrived in Penang and stayed in Sungai Tiram where he engaged in small-scale vegetable farming. Once a week Khaw Soo Cheang would take his produce down to Jelutong to sell. Khaw Soo Cheang subsequently went into trading and started a small sundries shop business under the name of Koe Guan. Subsequently he started trading up the coast of what is today Southern Thailand.<br/><br/> Khaw Soo Cheang had six sons, of which Khaw Sim Cheng was the eldest, Khaw Sim Kong the second, Khaw Sim Chua the third, Khaw Sim Khim the fourth, Khaw Sim Teik the fifth, and Khaw Sim Bee the sixth. The eldest son Sim Cheng is believed to be the son by his China born wife who remains unknown to the descendants today. Sim Kong, Sim Chua, Sim Khim and Sim teik are the sons of his wife Sit Kim Lean who is venerated by the descendants as the lady ancestor and is buried in Ranong. Sim Bee his youngest son was from one of his Thai Wives.<br/><br/> From trading Khaw Soo Cheang diversified into tin mining, shipping and supplying immigrant labourers. In 1844 he was appointed Royal Collector of tin royalties in the Ranong area, and received the title Luang Ratanasethi. In 1854 King Mongkut made him governor of Ranong and elevated him to the rank of Phra. At the time Ranong was subordinate to Chumphon province, but in 1864 it was elevated to full provincial status, and Khaw Soo Cheang became a Phraya. He successfully defended the new province against being invaded and annexed by the Burmese. The family became close to the Thai royal court, especially Prince Damrong, who stayed at the family home in Penang, which was named Chakrabong in honour of the Thai royal family. in 1872 Khaw Soo Cheang who was then an old man of 81 sailed back to China where he married an 18-year-old girl.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790 – 1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830).<br/><br/> He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
Keisai Eisen (渓斎 英泉, 1790–1848) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who specialised in bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). His best works, including his ōkubi-e ('large head pictures'), are considered to be masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Era (1818–1830). He was also known as Ikeda Eisen, and wrote under the name of Ippitsuan.
A painting of Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, in London, 1767, wearing a blue suit with elaborate gold braid and buttons, a far cry from the simple dress he affected when he served as ambassador to France in later years. During his time in London, Franklin was the leading voice of American interests in England. He wrote popular essays on behalf of the colonies and was instrumental in securing the repeal of the 1765 Stamp Act. The painting is by David Martin and is currently on display in the White House. The bust on the left side is that of Isaac Newton.
Japan: An erotic depiction of a man and a woman engaging in a wrestling match with a second woman acting as a referee. Shunga woodblock print, c. 1772. Shunga is a Japanese term for erotic art. Most shunga are a type of ukiyo-e, usually executed in woodblock print format. While rare, there are extant erotic painted handscrolls which predate the Ukiyo-e movement. Translated literally, the Japanese word shunga means picture of spring; 'spring' is a common euphemism for sex.
Keisai Eisen (1790-1848), also known as Ikeda Eisen, was an early 19th century <i>ukiyo-e</i> artist. Born to the Ikeda family in Edo, he was apprenticed to Kano Hakkeisai, from whom he took the name Keisai. After his father's death he studied under Kikgawa Eizan, who would heavily influence his early works.<br/><br/> Eisen's specialisation was in <i>bijinga</i> (pictures of beautiful women), but he also did landscapes, <i>surimono</i> (privately issued prints) and erotic prints. His <i>bijinga</i> prints portrayed women differently than earlier artists, giving them a worldly sensuality instead of the previous elegance and grace. His best works were the <i>okubi-e</i> (large head pictures) and were masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Period (1818-1830).<br/><br/> He was also known as a prolific writer, under the pen name Ippitsuan, and produced biographies for the Forty-seven Ronin and for other <i>ukiyo-e</i> artists.
Chobunsai Eishi (1756-1829) was a Japanese <i>ukiyo-e</i> artist. Born Hosoda Tokitomi to a well-off samurai family from the prestigious Fujiwara clan, Eishi became family head when his father died in 1772, and from there he held a position in the palace of Shogun Tokugawa Ieharu.<br/><br/> Eishi appeared to have studied art under Kano Michinobu of the Kano school, and he left the official service of the Shogun in 1784 to pursue his artistic talents, giving up his samurai rank. His earliest works were <i>nishki-e</i> prints of literary fare such as 'The Tale of Genji', but he soon went to specialise in <i>bijinga</i> portraits of women. Eishi also occasionally illustrated books of <i>shunga</i> erotica. He abandoned woodblock printing for painting sometime after 1801.
An illustration depicting an ancient Mexican calendar. The Maya and Aztec calendars are the most familiar of the Mexican calendars, but similar ones were used by other cultures.<br/><br/> Common to all Mesoamerican cultures was the 260-day ritual calendar that had no confirmed correlation to astronomical or agricultural cycles.<br/><br/> These were used in combination with a separate 365-day calendar to create a 52-year cycle known as a calendar round.
Katsukawa Shunshō (勝川 春章, 1726 - January 19, 1792) was a Japanese painter and printmaker in the ukiyo-e style, and the leading artist of the Katsukawa school. Shunshō studied under Miyagawa Shunsui, son and student of Miyagawa Chōshun, both equally famous and talented ukiyo-e artists. Shunshō is most well known for introducing a new form of yakusha-e, prints depicting Kabuki actors. However, his bijinga (images of beautiful women) paintings, while less famous, are said by some scholars to be "the best in the second half of the [18th] century".
Tonk was a Princely State of India which by treaty in 1817 accepted British suzerainty. Following the Partition of India in 1947, Tonk acceded to the newly independent Union of India. It was located in the region that is now the Tonk district. The founder of the state was Muhammad Amir Khan (1768-1834), an adventurer and military leader of Afghan descent. In 1817, upon submitting to the British East India Company, he received the territory of Tonk and the title of Nawab. While retaining internal autonomy and remaining outside British India, the state came under the supervision of the Rajputana Agency and consisted of six isolated districts. Three of these were under the Rajputana Agency, namely, Tonk, Aligarh (formerly Rampura) and Nimbahera. The other three, Chhabra, Pirawa and Sironj were in the Central India Agency. The total area of the princely state was 2553 sq. mi, with a total population in 1901 of 273,201. The town of Tonk, capital of the state, had a population of 38,759 in that year. The town was surrounded by a wall and boasted a mud fort. It had a high school, the Walter hospital for women, under a matron, and a separate hospital for men. The princely state enjoyed an estimated revenue of £77,000; however, no tribute was payable to the government of British India. Grain, cotton, opium and hides were the chief products and exports of the state. Two of the outlying tracts of the state were served by two different railways.