Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction
Lot 135:
Rare Meiji-Era Japanese Anatomical Wall Chart “Complete Skeleton and Circulatory System, ” K. Saraki, Yokohama, c. 1880–1900
Description
Woodblock print with color hand-tinting on paper, mounted as a hanging scroll, 65 cm wide (approx. 26 in).
A finely detailed Japanese anatomical chart illustrating the full human skeleton and circulatory system, with extensive bilingual inscriptions (Japanese and English). The work shows an extraordinary level of detail, combining traditional Japanese anatomical terminology with Western scientific labelling (“Ulna, ” “Radius, ” “Vertebrae, ” etc.), reflecting the influence of imported European medical knowledge during the Meiji period. The lower edge bears the imprint “K. Saraki, Yokohama Japan, ” a known publisher of educational and scientific prints active in the late 19th century.
Details
Period: Meiji era (c. 1880–1900)
Medium: Woodblock print with hand coloring, mounted as hanging scroll
Dimensions: 65 cm W 175cm H
Condition: Some edge losses, toning, and water stains; otherwise very well preserved for its age.
Importance
These educational charts were used in Japanese medical schools and apothecaries in the late 19th century, marking the transition from Edo-era Kaitai-Zushi diagrams to modern Western medical training. Examples by Saraki are scarce in institutional collections (cf. National Library of Medicine; Kyushu University Medical Archives).
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