Amerikanen met horloge en naaimachine 1861

"Amerikanen met horloge en naaimachine" (1861) by Utagawa Yoshikazu (1845-1870) is a striking example of ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese woodblock printing. The artwork depicts a scene of Western influence on Japan, portraying a woman using a sewing machine while a man examines a pocket watch. The detailed depiction of Western technologies, including the sewing machine and the watch, emphasizes the fascination with the West prevalent in Japan during the 19th century. The image is a vivid portrayal of cultural exchange and societal shifts as Japan navigated the transition from isolation to globalization. This piece now resides in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the fascinating cultural exchange between East and West during the late Edo period.