The Shimbi Shoin was famous for art books and woodblock facsimiles of classic images
It is believed that Shimbi Shoin was active from the 1860s to the 1930s. During this period, Shimbi Shoin established itself as a noted publisher of high quality art reproductions. The stunning effect of the images of Shimbi Shoin resulted from the blend of European and traditional Japanese printmaking methods. At present, several beautiful early publications of Shimbi Shoin in bound volumes can be seen in some of Japan's libraries and museums.
The long tradition of woodblock printing in Japan helped shape the high quality of postcards when they first appeared in large quantities just before 1900.