Picture of a Banquet of People of Five Nations at the Gankiro Teahouse (Gokakoku gankiro ni oite sakamori no zu) 1860

Utagawa Yoshiiku created this woodblock print depicting a banquet with people of five nations. In the mid-19th century, Japan was opening up to the West after a long period of isolation, and this print reflects that changing social landscape. The image presents a snapshot of intercultural interaction within the setting of a teahouse, a traditional space for socializing and entertainment. Note how the artist portrays the Western figures alongside Japanese individuals, each distinguished by their clothing and hairstyles. This visual juxtaposition highlights the cultural exchange occurring at the time. Consider the institutional context: woodblock prints were a popular medium for disseminating information and commentary to a broad audience. Yoshiiku’s print offers a glimpse into the social dynamics and perceptions of foreigners in Japan during this period of modernization. To understand this artwork better, we can delve into historical archives, period literature, and studies of Japanese print culture, piecing together the social context that shaped both the production and reception of this image.