歌川芳虎画 『五箇国人物 呑飥之図』|People of the Five Nations Drinking and Eating (Gokakoku jinbutsu dontaku no zu)
1861
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From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1861
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
This triptych shows three busy scenes with people in fancy clothes. On the left, a group stands near a boat, some holding drinks and talking. The middle panel has a woman in a blue dress sitting while others gather around her. The right side shows a man and woman dancing or bowing, with others watching. Bright colors like red, blue, and green stand out against simple backgrounds. The text on the right panel reads "People of the Five Nations Drinking and Eating," hinting this might show foreigners visiting Japan. The ships in the background suggest these scenes take place near a port. Look up Utagawa Yoshitora to see more of his lively woodblock prints.
