Utagawa Yoshikazu, "An American Family"

Starting in the mid 1850s, Yokohama harbor was a principal port of entry for Westerners eager to trade with a newly opened Japan. Woodblock prints documenting this influx of foreigners (yokohama-e) provide a fascinating look into how Japanese viewed the newcomers. Here Yoshikazu shows an elegantly dressed American couple watching their young daughter dancing with castanets.

Date: 1861
Size: Oban
Condition: Very good color and condition
Frame Shown: 16" x 24" x 1/2", Classic Wood, Clear Walnut

Utagawa Yoshikazu (active 1850 to 1870) was a pupil of Kuniyoshi and produced many yokohama-e depicting Westerns at the port of Yokohama.