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Utagawa Yoshitomi - An American Drawn from Life - 1861 (2nd month) - STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Utagawa Yoshitomi - An American Drawn from Life - 1861 (2nd month) - STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Regular price $2.49 USD
Regular price Sale price $2.49 USD
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Utagawa Yoshitomi - An American Drawn from Life - 1861 - Kiss-Cut Sticker Design

This woodblock print captures a rare 1861 perspective of a Western visitor through the distinct visual lens of the late Edo period.

Visual Elements & Composition

The figure stands with a stiff, formal posture, dressed in the structured garments of the era, rendered in the flat, graphic planes characteristic of Utagawa school woodblock prints. The composition relies on bold, sweeping outlines and a restrained palette of muted pigments typical of nineteenth-century ink-and-color-on-paper works. The subject’s expression is one of detached observation, framed by the intricate patterns of his attire, which contrast sharply with the negative space surrounding him. The layout emphasizes the verticality of the figure, utilizing the traditional woodblock aesthetic to flatten depth and prioritize the silhouette of the foreign visitor.

Meaning & Symbolism

Created during the second month of 1861, this print functions as a cultural document of Japan’s mid-nineteenth-century curiosity regarding foreign interlopers. Yoshitomi uses the medium of the ukiyo-e print to categorize and interpret the appearance of an "American," highlighting the fascination with Western fashion and anatomy during a time of tightening international borders. The work serves as a relic of a rapidly shifting historical climate, documenting a brief intersection of Eastern artistic tradition and Western presence.

On the Kiss-Cut Sticker

Because this design is a kiss-cut sticker, the complex, angular silhouette of the figure is preserved in full, detaching the historical subject from the background of the original print. The white or transparent border frames the figure’s sharp lines, allowing the graphic intensity of Yoshitomi’s work to stand out against the flat surfaces of your journals or laptop lids where the cut-to-shape form can be applied without clutter.

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Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all Kiss-Cut Stickers.

Buy 2+
20% OFF
Buy 5+
30% OFF
Buy 10+
40% OFF
Buy 50+
50% OFF

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Glossy kiss-cut vinyl stickers made for smooth, indoor surfaces — laptops, journals, mirrors, and other finished items. Crisp edges, vivid color, strong hold, and not waterproof.

What “kiss-cut” means: the blade cuts the vinyl layer into the exact shape while leaving the backing liner whole, so pieces separate cleanly and lift off the sheet without tearing. It’s the neatest way to produce shaped stickers and multi-piece sheets.

  • Material: reliable vinyl face with a permanent acrylic adhesive formulated for smooth, non-porous surfaces.
  • Finish: glossy surface that enhances contrast and depth without feeling overly reflective.
  • Printing: eco-solvent inks provide dense color and crisp detail for fine lines and gradients.
  • Use case: intended for indoor environments only — not waterproof. Not recommended for continuous exposure to moisture or dishwashing.
  • Application friendly: easy-peel backing and a liner that releases cleanly to help reduce bubbles and misfeeds during placement.

These stickers perform best on smooth, dust-free surfaces — think laptop lids, sealed notebooks, glass, mirrors, finished shelving and lockers. They’ll stick well where the surface is flat and clean; avoid rough wood, silicone, fabric, and heavily textured paint.

  1. Clean: remove dust and oils with a lint-free cloth. For stubborn grime, use a mild soap and water rinse; let the area dry completely.
  2. Align: peel a corner, position carefully, then press the center down first.
  3. Smooth: work outward from the center with a soft card or a thumb to push air out and ensure the edges set down firmly.

Tip: give the adhesive 24 hours to fully settle before heavy handling. These are not designed for outdoor or wet conditions.

  • Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth, moving from the center outward to avoid scratching the gloss.
  • For light marks, a barely damp microfiber will lift residue — blot, don’t scrub, and dry right away.
  • Avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive pads, and steam; moisture or harsh chemicals can lift edges and fade inks.

Reminder: these stickers are not waterproof. Keep them away from sinks, outdoor exposure, and dishwasher cycles to maintain adhesion and finish.

Sizes are measured across the sticker’s longest side. For example, a 3″ sticker is 3 inches across its largest dimension (height or width, depending on the shape).

The kiss-cut follows the sticker’s outline for a tidy border; complex shapes can show small variances, but the advertised measurement refers to the maximum edge-to-edge length.