Americans Baking Bread (Amerikajin pan wo yaku zu) 1861

"Americans Baking Bread (Amerikajin pan wo yaku zu)" is a woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshikazu, a prominent Japanese artist of the Edo period. Created in 1861, this artwork depicts a humorous scene of Westerners attempting to bake bread in traditional Japanese ovens, highlighting the cultural exchange and curiosity surrounding the West in Japan at the time. The print's vibrant colors and detailed lines characteristic of the ukiyo-e style create a lively and engaging composition. This piece is currently housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, offering a glimpse into the social and artistic dynamics of 19th-century Japan.