NYK Line World-Wide Services

Artist Hiroshi Yoshida (Japanese, 1876 - 1950)

Publisher NYK Line (Japanese, founded 1885)

Datec 1929

Object number00044254

NamePoster

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 452 x 267 mm, 1880 g

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Sea the world

Terms

DescriptionColour woodcut and letterpress poster 'NYK Line World-Wide Services 152 vessels, 886,000 gross tons. Regular sailings from Japan to North and South America, Europe, Australia, India, China, etc.' Woodcut made by Japanese artist Hiroshi Yoshida, signed and with artist's seal.HistoryThe NYK Line (Nippon Yūsen Kabushiki Kaisha Line) operated a passenger service to Australia from 1896 until the 1960s. The KASUGA MARU, NIKKO MARU AND YAWATA MARU were all cargo-passenger ships built for the Australian line. The liners were famous for their impeccable service, exquisite cuisine and the exotic Japanese decor that many of them incorporated. First class cabins were decorated with traditional Japanese crafts and included a Japanese-style room with a 'tokonoma' alcove or niche. Daily routines on the ships also referenced Japanese culture with sukiyaki parties held on the promenade decks amidst tatami mats and paper lanterns. SignificanceThe poster reproduces a stunning woodcut print by renowned artist Hiroshi Yoshida. The Japanese iconography of the poster references the exotic allure of both these liners and their destinations (at a time, ironically, when the White Australia Policy was strictly enforced).