Artwork

Bankoku danjō jimbutsu zue|Picture of Men and Women from all nations (Bankoku danjo jinbutsu zue)

Bankoku danjō jimbutsu zue|Picture of Men and Women from all nations (Bankoku danjo jinbutsu zue) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshiiku. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Bankoku danjō jimbutsu zue is a triptych woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshiiku, executed in ink and color on paper. The work depicts a densely populated scene featuring individuals from diverse nations, characterized by vibrant colors and stylized representations.

Subject & Meaning

The print showcases a cosmopolitan gathering, with figures from various backgrounds juxtaposed in a single composition. Notable elements include a towering elephant and a prominently dressed man with a child, suggesting themes of global connectivity and cultural curiosity.

Technique & Style

Utagawa Yoshiiku employs bold, bright hues (notably reds, greens, and golds) contrasted with dark outlines to define individual forms. The style blends realistic depictions with exaggerated features, such as large eyes and dramatic poses, typical of ukiyo-e's expressive conventions.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid-19th century, the print is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. The banner at the top, inscribed with text in a non-Japanese language, may indicate the work's intended audience or thematic emphasis, though specifics are not provided.

Context

This work reflects the increased global awareness in Japan during the late Edo period, as the country began to open up to the world. The mix of realism and stylization is characteristic of ukiyo-e prints from this era, catering to a domestic audience curious about foreign cultures.