A Foreigner's Wine Party (Gaikokujin shuen no zu), from an untitled series of foreigners at home 1860

Utagawa Yoshikazu produced this woodblock print titled, *A Foreigner's Wine Party*, in Japan during the 1860s. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's encounter with the West in the late Edo period. It depicts Westerners gathered around a table, possibly celebrating a birthday, with a woman serving drinks. The artist meticulously captures their attire and customs, offering insight into how Westerners were perceived and represented in Japanese society at that time. The scene itself takes place indoors, with a Western style interior. Japan's opening to foreign trade after centuries of isolation brought about a surge of interest in Western culture. Prints like this served as a window into a world previously unknown to many Japanese. They reflect both curiosity and a degree of cultural negotiation. Historians rely on a variety of sources, from diplomatic records to popular literature, to understand the complex dynamics of cultural exchange. By studying images such as this, we gain valuable insights into the social and institutional contexts that shape artistic production and reception.