Englishman Sorting Fabrics 1861

"Englishman Sorting Fabrics" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Utagawa Sadahide, created in 1861. The print depicts a European man in a top hat, seated in a chair, examining a length of fabric. A framed portrait of a woman wearing a brightly colored kimono hangs on the wall behind him, offering a glimpse of Japanese fashion. Sadahide's work often depicted scenes of daily life and reflected the growing interest in Western culture in 19th-century Japan. This particular print showcases the contrast between Japanese and Western aesthetics. The print's intricate details and vibrant colors are characteristic of the ukiyo-e style, a genre popular during the Edo period. The piece is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.