Japan Whaling Method Amitori-Shiki, 1850s Antique Engraving Print & Article

Description: Rare original antique engraving print from an 1850s illustrated journal. It depicts a rare early view of the Japanese open boat whaling method the involved encircling the whale with boats and netting the head. Above the picture is an article describing it. The area shown was Honshu.Organized open-boat shore whaling began in the 1570s; and continued into the early 20th century. Techniques were developed in the 17th century in Taiji, Wakayama. Wada Chubei Yorimoto established a fishery by organizing the group hunting system in 1606. Whalers would spot whales from stations along the shore and launch boats to catch them with harpoons and lances. His grandson, Wada Kakuemon Yoriharu, later known as Taiji Kakuemon Yoriharu, invented the whaling net technique called amitori-shiki. Instead of trying to harpoon whales in open water, now twenty or more boats would encircle a whale and make a racket, driving it towards the shallows into nets wielded by a second group of six boats. There harpooners would approach in four boats of their own. The nets made escape more difficult and, in its struggle to escape, the whale got tired sooner. Primarily right whales, humpback whales, gray, and fin whales were hunted. Blue whales, sei, Bryde's and sperm whales were however also taken when possible. The print is very large (folio size), measuring approximately 11 x 15 inches (28 x 38 cm). The picture fills about half of it, measuring about 9 x 6.5 inches, with a caption below it. The page is in excellent condition for its age. There is text/photos on the back of the print. See scan for an accurate view of the condition. This print will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Powered by SixBit's eCommerce Solution

Price: 99.95 USD

Location: Lake Villa, Illinois

End Time: 2024-12-17T16:11:10.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD