Collection of Desires, Wish for Foreign Travel (Mitate Tai zukushi-yōkō ga shitai) 1878

"Collection of Desires, Wish for Foreign Travel (Mitate Tai zukushi-yōkō ga shitai)" is a woodblock print created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1878. This print depicts a woman dressed in fine silks, leaning forward, chin resting on her hand, as she intently reads a book. The woman's intense gaze, combined with the text in the background, alludes to a longing for foreign travel, highlighting the evolving cultural landscape of Japan in the late 19th century. Yoshitoshi's use of vibrant colors and intricate details, typical of the *ukiyo-e* style, beautifully captures the woman's elegant attire and the richness of her surroundings. This print is a testament to Yoshitoshi's masterful portrayal of the desires and aspirations of the Japanese people during a period of significant social and political transformation.