Chinese Servant and Frenchman 1861

"Chinese Servant and Frenchman," a woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshiiku from 1861, depicts a humorous scene of cultural clash. A European man, likely a sailor, sits in a chair while a Chinese servant points towards him. The European's attire, with a yellow hat and green coat, contrasts sharply with the servant's traditional Chinese garb. The scene likely portrays the increasing interactions between Japan and the West during the 19th century, a period of significant social and political change. This satirical print, part of the "gaikokujin" (foreigner) genre, provides a glimpse into the anxieties and curiosities surrounding Western influence in Japan. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this captivating artwork, measuring 15 3/4 x 11 1/4 inches.