Charles Wirgman Collection

Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., at Yokohama, Japan, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock, K.C.B., at Yokohama, Japan, 1864. Engraving of '...a sketch by Mr. Wirgman, our Special Artist, which...represents the landing of Sir Rutherford Alcock

Scenes in Japan: Japanese warriors in fighting-dress - from a sketch by our special artist, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Scenes in Japan: Japanese warriors in fighting-dress - from a sketch by our special artist, 1864. Engraving from '...a Sketch by Mr

Scenes in Japan: the Governor of Kanagawa and suite going to a fire - by our special artist, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Scenes in Japan: the Governor of Kanagawa and suite going to a fire - by our special artist, 1864. Engraving from '...a Sketch by Mr

Barracks for British troops in course of erection at Yokohama...by our special artist in Japan, 1864 Creator: Unknown
Barracks for British troops in course of erection at Yokohama - from a sketch by our special artist in Japan, 1864. 'We engrave...[a] sketch taken by Mr

The War in Japan: the Red Battery opening fire on the corvettes, Sept. 6, 1864. Creator: Smyth
The War in Japan: the Red Battery opening fire on the corvettes, Sept. 6, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. C. Wirgman

The War in Japan: action of Sept. 5, in the Strait of Simonosaki, 1864. Creator: Edwin Weedon
The War in Japan: action of Sept. 5, in the Strait of Simonosaki, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. C. Wirgman, ...our Special Artist

Japanese party at meals - from a sketch by our special artist, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Japanese party at meals, 1864. An...Illustration of the daily life of the Japanese people, from a sketch by Mr. Wirgman, our Special Artist

Wandering minstrels at Yokohama, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Wandering minstrels at Yokohama, 1864. Engraving of a sketch...by Mr. C. Wirgman, our special artist...of wandering musicians

Japanese girl painting her lips, 1864. Creator: Mason Jackson
Japanese girl painting her lips, 1864. Engraving of a sketch...by Mr. C. Wirgman, our special artist...[of] a young girl painting her face after the usual daily bath

Camp of the Sikh Cavalry at Cowloong opposite Hong-Kong: Probyn's Horse and Fane's Horse... 1860
Camp of the Sikh Cavalry at Cowloong opposite Hong-Kong: Probyn's Horse and Fane's Horse - from a sketch by [Mr. Wirgman] our special artist in China, 1860. The British Indian Army in China

The Tea Party (watercolour)
1767271 The Tea Party (watercolour) by Wirgman, Charles (1832-91); 20x28.3 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: The Tea Party. Charles Wirgman (1832-1891). Watercolour

Photographic Copy Drawing Japanese Warriors Charles Wirgman
Photographic Copy of a Drawing of Japanese Warriors by Charles Wirgman; Felice Beato (English, born Italy, 1832 - 1909); Japan; 1864; Albumen silver print

Photographic Copy Drawing Japanese Man Beheaded
Photographic Copy of a Drawing of a Japanese Man About to Be Beheaded by Charles Wirgman; Felice Beato (English, born Italy, 1832 - 1909); Yokohama, Japan; December 1864; Albumen silver print

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Charles Wirgman was a British artist and illustrator known for his detailed and humorous depictions of daily life in 19th century Japan. Born in 1832, Wirgman moved to Japan in the early 1860s where he quickly became a prominent figure in the expatriate community. His illustrations were featured in numerous publications, including The Illustrated London News and Punch magazine. Wirgman's work often showcased the clash of traditional Japanese culture with Western influences, capturing moments of humor and curiosity. He was also one of the first artists to introduce caricature art to Japan, influencing many local artists with his unique style. Despite facing challenges as a foreign artist living in Japan during a time of political upheaval, Wirgman continued to produce captivating illustrations that offered insight into the rapidly changing society around him. His legacy lives on through his art, which remains cherished for its wit and charm.