Stoomraderboot geschonken aan Japan in 1855 1855 - 1880

This print, depicting a steam paddle boat gifted to Japan in 1855, was made by an anonymous artist using ink on paper. The monochrome palette emphasizes the materiality of ink, exploiting its capacity to create depth and shading through layering. This artwork is particularly interesting because of the historical moment it captures: the onset of industrialization and the development of new technologies in naval transport. We can see how the artist used ink to convey the mechanical complexity of the steam paddle boat, rendered with precise lines to delineate the ship's structure, but also with looser brushwork to suggest the dynamism of the sea. What's compelling is the social context of this artwork. The gifting of the steam paddle boat signifies the beginning of trade relations between Japan and the West, representing the global exchange of technological innovation that would forever change social structures, labor practices, and economies around the world. This print thus encapsulates a pivotal moment in history, inviting us to consider the broader impact of industrialization and global exchange.