Artwork

Bushu Yokohama gaikokujin yūkyō no zu|A View of the Amusements of the Foreigners in Yokohama, Bushu

Bushu Yokohama gaikokujin yūkyō no zu|A View of the Amusements of the Foreigners in Yokohama, Bushu is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshitora. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This triptych woodblock print, 'A View of the Amusements of the Foreigners in Yokohama, Bushu', is a cityscape by Utagawa Yoshitora. Held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it showcases a vibrant scene of people engaging in various activities.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a lively Yokohama scene with people in traditional Japanese attire and some in Western-style clothing. Horse riders and onlookers populate the foreground, while a theatre performance unfolds in the background, capturing the cultural exchange and entertainment of the time.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink and color on paper, the triptych is characterized by its vivid color palette, featuring prominent reds, blues, and yellows. The composition conveys a sense of dynamic energy and cultural fusion.

History & Provenance

Created by Utagawa Yoshitora, the print is a product of Japan's late Edo or early Meiji period, reflecting the country's opening to foreign influences. It is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.