Buitenlands stel in de haven 1860

This print, "Foreign Couple in Port," was made by Utagawa Yoshiiku using woodblock printing, a demanding process requiring extensive teamwork. Woodblock prints begin with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. A highly skilled carver then etches the design into the wood, cutting away the negative space. Separate blocks are required for each color. Finally, the printer applies water-based inks to the blocks and presses them onto paper, carefully aligning each color layer. The success of this method hinges on the division of labor. The artist creates the image, but artisans execute the carving and printing. This system allowed for relatively inexpensive production, making art accessible to a wider audience. In this print, Yoshiiku captures the novelty of Westerners in Japan, framing them within a distinctly Japanese artistic tradition. The print testifies to the fusion of cultures during a period of increasing global exchange. It blurs boundaries, integrating fine art with craft and commenting on the changing social landscape.