Dutch Woman and Child (Seisha ikoku jinbutsu Oranda fujin aijidō no zu) 1860

"Dutch Woman and Child," created in 1860 by renowned Japanese artist Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide, is a vivid woodblock print showcasing a European woman and child. The woman, dressed in a fashionable Western gown, stands confidently, while the child, clad in a vibrant red garment, sits on the lap of another woman. This work, part of the "Seisha ikoku jinbutsu" (Foreigners in the Exotic) series, reflects Sadahide's fascination with Western culture and fashion during a time of increased trade and cultural exchange between Japan and the West. The print's lively colors and detailed depiction of clothing highlight the artist's skilled use of woodblock printing techniques and demonstrate the influence of Western fashion on Japanese society during the Edo period.