Home of Foreign Merchants in Yokohama 1861

This print titled, *Home of Foreign Merchants in Yokohama*, was created by Utagawa Sadahide in the 19th century, using woodblock printing techniques. Look closely and you'll see that the flat planes of color and sharp outlines are distinctive features of this process. Woodblock printing involves carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Multiple blocks are needed to produce different colors in the print. The textures and patterns in the image are achieved through precise carving. The subject matter, portraying a cosmopolitan scene in Yokohama, reflects Japan's opening to foreign trade during this period. This work can be understood within the context of increased globalization and cultural exchange. The print makes visible the labor and skill involved in traditional Japanese printmaking, while documenting a specific moment in social history. When we consider the material, process, and context, we can better appreciate the rich layers of meaning embedded in this artwork. This challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.