French Photographer (Furansu), published by Izumiya Ichibei c. 1861

Editor: This woodblock print is titled "French Photographer," or "Furansu," by Utagawa Yoshikazu. It’s interesting seeing such a Western subject rendered in a Japanese style! What stands out to you about this image? Curator: Well, it's a fascinating mashup, isn’t it? It’s like Yoshikazu is translating the "exotic" new technology of photography through his own cultural lens. It makes me wonder what the Japanese at the time thought of these Westerners and their strange contraptions. Editor: So it’s as much about the Japanese perspective as it is about the French photographer? Curator: Precisely. It’s a little visual joke, perhaps? Or a curious observation. Makes you think about how we see others, and how others see us, doesn't it? Editor: That’s a cool perspective. I was only thinking about the style at first!