English: Wood engraving published in 1867 in a book relating accounts of travels around the world (Le Tour du Monde). Engraving by Félix Jean Gauchard (1825-1872). The drawing is by L. Crépon adapted from a Japanese painting by an unknown artist. Note: crépon also means (縮緬紙, Chirimengami-e, "compressed thread paper prints"). It is titled Hara-kiri: Condemnation of a nobleman to suicide. It is composed of a rare view of a noble preparing for suicide after his conviction. Hara-kiri or harakiri or seppuku, is a ritual form of male suicide by disembowelment, which appeared in Japan around the 12th century in the class of samurai. This ritual was officially abandoned by the Japanese in 1868. Dimensions : 21 x 30 cms.