Weergave van klederdracht in alle landen 1882

Kobayashi Kiyochika created this woodblock print, entitled *Weergave van klederdracht in alle landen*, or, *Representation of clothing in all countries*, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Kiyochika lived during a time of enormous social and political change in Japan, as the country rapidly modernized and opened up to the West. This print reflects Japan’s fascination with the world beyond its borders. Note the figures adorned in what the artist imagines as traditional costumes from various countries, including Korea, India, France, and Turkey. It speaks to a moment of cultural exchange and the sometimes awkward, often stereotypical ways in which different cultures perceive one another. Kiyochika’s work invites us to consider how national and cultural identities are constructed, performed, and sometimes, misrepresented. Reflecting on this, consider the emotional complexities inherent in cross-cultural encounters. How does it feel to see one's own culture represented through the eyes of another? This work encourages a deeper understanding of the nuances of identity and representation in an increasingly globalized world.