England (Igirisu), from the Countries of Europe (Yoroppa-shu no uchi)

Art Historical Context

**England (Igirisu), from the Countries of Europe (oroppa-shu no uchi)** *Utagawa Yoshikazu, 1861* Color woodblock print; oban *Art Institute of Chicago, Arts of Asia* Created by Utagawa Yoshazu, a prolific artist of the Utagawa school Japan's late Edo period, this vibrant woodblock print captures a fascinating moment of cultural curiosity. Produced in 1861—just eight years after Commodore Perry's "black ships" forced Japan to open to the West—this work is part of the *Countries of Europe* series, which introduced Japanese audiences to distant lands through exotic, imaginative depictions. Yoshikazu's portrayal of England reflects the era's blend of awe and apprehension toward Western powers, amid growing trade and diplomatic exchanges that would soon usher in the Meiji Restoration. As an oban-sized color woodblock print, a hallmark of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), the artwork showcases masterful techniques: intricate carving on wooden blocks for precise lines and layering of pigments to achieve rich, luminous hues. These prints were affordable and widely circulated, serving as educational tools and popular entertainment. Yoshikazu's style, influenced by his mentor Kuniyoshi, features dynamic compositions and detailed costumes, evoking the bustling energy of Victorian England while filtered through a Japanese lens. This piece holds cultural significance as a window into Japan's "opening" to globalization, blending traditional printmaking with novel subject matter. It invites visitors to ponder how art bridged worlds during a transformative time.

About the Artist

Utagawa Yoshikazu

Utagawa Yoshikazu (active circa 1850–1870) was a Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print artist who came of age during one of the most dynamic periods in Japanese history — the twilight of the Edo period and the dawning of the Meiji era. Born and active in Edo (present-day Tokyo), he trained under the celebrated master Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of the towering figures of the Utagawa school renowned for his ...