Artwork

Igirisujin|An English Woman with a Chinese Servant in the Foreign District, from the series Famous Places in Yokohama

Igirisujin|An English Woman with a Chinese Servant in the Foreign District, from the series Famous Places in Yokohama is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshikazu. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Yoshikazu's 1861 woodblock print, Igirisujin|An English Woman with a Chinese Servant in the Foreign District, is part of the series Famous Places in Yokohama. Executed in ink and color on paper, it is now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an English woman on horseback, accompanied by a Chinese servant, set against a Yokohama backdrop. The woman's European attire (bright red and blue) contrasts with the servant's Asian dress (green and yellow), illustrating the cultural exchange in the foreign district of Yokohama during the early modern period.

Technique & Style

Characterized by the traditional woodblock print technique, the work features bold colors and clear lines, typical of ukiyo-e. The composition balances dynamic figures (the horse, the walking woman in the background) with static elements (the building, fence), showcasing Yoshikazu's skill in capturing everyday scenes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1861, during Japan's opening to the West, the print reflects the era's newfound international interactions. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with no detailed provenance provided for its journey to the museum.

Context

Yokohama, a recently opened port city at the time, was a hub for foreign residents. This print captures the novelty of cross-cultural encounters, a theme likely fascinating to both Japanese and foreign audiences. Yoshikazu's work often focused on depicting the lives of foreigners in Japan, offering a Japanese perspective on these interactions.

Legacy

As part of the Famous Places in Yokohama series, this print contributes to the historical record of Japan's modernization and its initial interactions with Western cultures. It remains a significant example of ukiyo-e's role in documenting societal change.