- Nihon Saisho no Kyoto Shiden (Kyoto City Tram, Japan's First Tram) -

The interesting woodblock print “Nihon Saisho no Kyoto Shiden” (Kyoto City Tram, Japan’s First Tram) by Tomikichiro Tokuriki (1902–2000) depicts Kyoto’s historic streetcar system, which holds a special place in Japanese transportation history. Opened in 1895 by the Kyoto Electric Railway, it was Japan’s first electric railway operated for public use. The Kyoto City Tram remained an important part of the city’s transportation network for more than eighty years before being completely discontinued on September 30, 1978.

For those who remember the old days, scenes such as this often evoke fond memories of a bygone time. The gentle atmosphere and historic charm of the print make it especially appealing to admirers of old Kyoto. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about the sight of Kyoto’s old streetcars, inspiring a longing for a simpler era and bringing a sense of warmth and familiarity.

The artist’s signature and red seal, both reading “Tomi,” appear in the lower right corner. The Japanese title “Nihon Saisho no Kyoto Shiden” and the date “Shōwa 60 nen 10 gatsu 28 nichi” (October 28, 1985) also appear in the lower right. Printed on traditional Japanese shikishi, the work has a distinctive presentation. Shikishi refers to a type of thick, high-quality paperboard traditionally used for waka poetry, haiku, calligraphy, paintings, and prints.

Technique: Woodblock 
Paper size: 9 and 1/2 x 10 and 3/4 inches (24 x 27.2 cm)
Sheet number: N/A 
Date: 1985 (Showa 60 nen)
Signed: The artist’s signature and red seal, both reading “Tomi,” appear in the lower right corner.
Condition: Excellent condition. The edges of the paper may appear white in the photograph due to the lighting, but they are actually trimmed in gold color.

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