“America”: A Steamship in Transit 1861

This triptych woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshikazu depicts a steamship flying the American flag and traveling through the night. The dynamic composition of the print, with the ship shown in three sections, portrays the excitement and movement of the scene. The artist's use of vibrant colors and meticulous details highlights the beauty and technological prowess of the steamship, a symbol of modernity and progress. This print reflects the fascination of Japan with Western technology, particularly in the early Meiji period. “America”, created in 1861, represents an important historical moment in Japanese art, showcasing the cultural exchange between Japan and the West.