Japanese Warrior, from the Military Series (N224) issued by Kinney Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal Cigarettes 1888

This trade card, depicting a Japanese warrior, is a colorful example of chromolithography from the late 19th century. Part of the “Military Series” issued by Kinney Brothers Tobacco Company to promote Sweet Caporal cigarettes, this card features a warrior in full armor, holding a bow and arrow, with a sword and other weapons. This image, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fascinating snapshot of American interest in Japanese culture, a trend popular at the time.