Americans on an Outing (Amerikajin yuko no zu) 1860

Utagawa Yoshikazu created this woodblock print depicting “Americans on an Outing” in Japan during the 19th century. The print is made using a subtractive process; each color requires a separate block, painstakingly carved, inked, and pressed onto paper. The print showcases a cross-cultural encounter, rendering the Western subjects and their attire with close attention to detail, but filtered through the lens of Japanese artistic conventions. Notice the woman’s bold plaid skirt, which would have been eye-catching in Japan at the time. The labor-intensive process of carving and printing each color contributes to the overall effect, as it allows the artist to layer depth and texture into the work. The final print bears testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating this visually striking representation of cultural exchange. These prints were made for popular consumption. The artist responded to the growing interest in foreigners and foreign culture during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. This print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between artistic skill, cultural exchange, and the broader social context in which artworks are produced and consumed.