Who painted Oranda|A Dutch Group?

Oranda|A Dutch Group was painted by Utagawa Yoshikazu in 2.

Where can I see Oranda|A Dutch Group?

Oranda|A Dutch Group is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Oranda|A Dutch Group?

Oranda|A Dutch Group is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Oranda|A Dutch Group

Utagawa Yoshikazu , 2

Oranda|A Dutch Group is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshikazu. It dates from 2 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Oranda|A Dutch Group is a woodblock print executed in ink and color on paper by the Japanese artist Utagawa Yoshikazu. The work, dated to the early 19th century, is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It presents a compact interior scene rendered in the bold palette and flattened forms typical of ukiyo-e prints.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a bustling kitchen where three figures are engaged in domestic activity. A woman in a wide red skirt cradles an infant while standing near a stove, a seated man in a hat eats at a table, and another man in dark clothing tends a pot. A simple brick wall, wooden floor, and a window revealing a boat on water frame the scene, suggesting a moment of everyday life.

Technique & Style

Yoshikazu employs the woodblock technique, carving separate blocks for each color and layering them to achieve vivid contrasts. The composition relies on clear outlines and flat areas of pigment, emphasizing shape over perspective. Japanese text runs across the top, integrating narrative elements common in ukiyo-e genre prints.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in Japan during the Edo period, a time when woodblock publishing flourished. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection through acquisition in the 20th century, where it remains catalogued as an example of domestic genre imagery.

Context

Domestic interiors were a frequent subject in ukiyo-e, reflecting the interests of a growing urban audience. The inclusion of a foreign‑named title, Oranda (the Japanese term for “Holland”), hints at the period's fascination with Western motifs, though the scene itself remains rooted in Japanese daily life.