French photographer 1861

Utagawa Yoshikazu created this woodblock print depicting a “French photographer” in Japan around the 1860s. The print employs traditional materials, such as woodblocks, handmade paper, and pigments derived from minerals and plants. Looking closely, you can see how the grain of the woodblock subtly textures the flat planes of color. The careful registration of each color layer speaks to the skill of the printer, who would have meticulously aligned each block to create the final image. The materiality influences the overall appearance, lending a tactile quality that contrasts with the slickness of modern photography. This print reflects Japan's fascination with Western technology and culture during the late Edo period. The presence of Westerners and their advanced technologies had a profound impact on Japanese society. The print is a reminder of a time when cultural exchange and the introduction of new technologies transformed artistic practices. It challenges the distinction between fine art and craft, underscoring the importance of material and cultural context.