Artwork

歌川義虎画『外国人遊興之図』|Foreigners Enjoying a Party (Gaikokujin yūkyō no zu)

歌川義虎画『外国人遊興之図』|Foreigners Enjoying a Party (Gaikokujin yūkyō no zu) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshitora. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Yoshitora’s multicolored woodblock print, titled Foreigners Enjoying a Party (Gaikokujin yūkyō no zu), depicts a convivial gathering inside a interior space. The composition balances seated figures around a low table with standing and dancing participants, creating a sense of movement and social interaction.

Subject & Meaning

The scene juxtaposes individuals dressed in traditional Japanese attire with others in contemporary Western clothing, suggesting a playful commentary on cultural exchange and the curiosity surrounding foreign customs during the late Edo period.

Technique & Style

Executed as a nishiki-e, the work employs multiple woodblocks to apply ink and vibrant pigments on paper, allowing for detailed patterns in the garments and nuanced shading that enhance the festive atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created by Yoshitora in the mid‑19th century, the print entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently conserved and displayed as part of the museum’s Japanese prints holdings.