“Sekibaninsatsu-Kagami”; a sample book of lithographic prints

This collection is a working sample book for products printed with lithography.The Lithography Division of the Engraving Department produced the sample book to improve the staff's techniques by sketching the designs and letters on the products compiled in the book.
The Printing Bureau began lithographic printing in 1874 (Meiji 7).Although originally intended to research anti-counterfeit measures for banknotes, the Printing Bureau began producing a variety of lithographic prints over time.In 1877 (Meiji 10), when this collection was produced, the Printing Bureau exhibited its multicolor lithographic works at the Domestic Industrial Exposition, and boasted of its technological competence.