Russians Drawn from Life (Oroshiajin no sho utsushi) 1861

"Russians Drawn from Life (Oroshiajin no sho utsushi)," created in 1861 by Utagawa Yoshikazu, is a captivating woodblock print that reflects the fascination with Western culture in 19th-century Japan. The artwork depicts three individuals, likely foreigners, dressed in Western attire, with a focus on their distinct European features and clothing styles. The inclusion of a ship in the background hints at the growing influence of international trade and the arrival of foreigners during this period. Yoshikazu, a prominent artist of the late Edo period, captured the curiosity and novelty associated with these cultural encounters through this vivid print.