Who painted 「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo”?

「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo” was painted by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide in 4.

Where can I see 「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo”?

「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo” is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo”?

「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo” is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo”

Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide , 4

「横浜交易西洋人荷物運送之圖」|“Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo” is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Sadahide's "Yokohama Trade: Westerners Loading Cargo" is a pentaptych woodblock print created in the mid-19th century, now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It captures a vibrant scene of international trade at Yokohama's docks.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling Yokohama dockside, juxtaposing Western ships with Japanese laborers engaged in cargo loading. The scene conveys the era's burgeoning global trade, with Western presence marked by striped and starred flags amidst traditional Japanese attire.

Technique & Style

The work combines bright, vibrant colors with sharp outlines, emphasizing the chaotic activity of the trade scene. Notable techniques include meticulous cross-hatching to achieve textured effects and detailed renderings of ropes, tools, and rigging.

History & Provenance

Created by Utagawa Sadahide, the print is dated to the period following Yokohama's opening to international trade. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the exact date of acquisition is not specified here.

Context

This piece reflects the significant cultural and economic shift in Japan during the mid-19th century, particularly after the opening of Yokohama to foreign trade, capturing the intersection of traditional Japanese life with Western influence.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the print serves as a valuable historical artifact, offering insights into Japan's early engagement with global trade and the artistic response to this pivotal moment in the country's history.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide

Utagawa Sadahide , also known as Gountei Sadahide, was a Japanese artist best known for his prints in the ukiyo-e style as a member of the Utagawa school.