Foreigners in Miyozaki-chō - Utagawa Yoshimori

A 1861 Yokohama-e woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshimori depicting foreign visitors in Japan during the early years of international trade.

This woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshimori, a student of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, belongs to the genre known as Yokohama-e. These prints emerged during the Bakumatsu period, following the opening of the port of Yokohama to international trade in 1859. They document the curiosity of Japanese artists and the public regarding the appearance, customs, and attire of the foreign merchants and diplomats who arrived in Japan.

The composition depicts a seated man and a standing woman, both dressed in European-style clothing. The man wears a dark coat with gold trim and a cap, holding a glass, while the woman is draped in a shawl over a long, full skirt. The artist employs the characteristic flat perspective and bold outlines of the Ukiyo-e tradition, though the subject matter reflects the rapid cultural shifts of the era. The background features a simple architectural railing and a blue wash, typical of the period's print production, which prioritised clear, graphic representation over atmospheric depth.

Such works were produced in large numbers to satisfy the demand for information about the outside world. They often contain exaggerated or inaccurate details regarding Western fashion, as the artists frequently relied on hearsay or limited observation. The inclusion of Japanese calligraphy at the top of the print provides context or commentary on the figures, a common feature in this medium. This print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of mid-nineteenth-century Japan, capturing the intersection of traditional printmaking techniques with the arrival of global influences. The colour palette is restrained, relying on blue, red, and ochre tones, which were standard for the woodblock printing processes of the time.