Home of Foreign Merchants in Yokohama 1861

"Home of Foreign Merchants in Yokohama" is a woodblock print by Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide, created in 1861. This ukiyo-e print depicts a bustling scene of Westerners and Japanese interacting within a Yokohama establishment. The artist captures the cultural exchange of the era, as Westerners in top hats and formal attire are seen enjoying entertainment from Japanese musicians and geishas. The presence of an American flag in the background hints at the growing influence of the United States in Japan during this period of trade and diplomacy. The print is a vivid testament to the cultural cross-pollination that characterized Japan's opening to the West in the 19th century.