Russia (Oroshia koku), from the Countries of Asia (Ajia shu no uchi) 1861

"Russia (Oroshia koku)" is a woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshikazu, created in 1861. This colorful print depicts a caricature of a Russian woman and a man, likely a Russian official, sitting at a table laden with food and drink. The image is a satirical portrayal of Western customs, as the woman is dressed in an exaggerated European style, while the man appears to be enjoying traditional Japanese food. This print, part of a series entitled "Countries of Asia (Ajia shu no uchi)," exemplifies the fascination with foreign cultures that was common in Japan during the mid-19th century. The satirical nature of the print demonstrates the growing interaction between Japan and the West during this period of rapid change.