Picture of a Mercantile Establishment in Yokohama

Maker(s)
Artist: Utagawa Sadahide ę­Œå·č²žē§€ (1807-1873)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1861
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 36.5 x 75.3 cm (14 3/8 x 29 5/8 in)
Geography
Japan, Yokohama
Credit Line
Gift of the Daval Foundation, from the Collection of Ambassador and Mrs. William Leonhart
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1991.152a-c
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
commerce, Edo period (1615 - 1868), foreigner, Japan, shamisen, triptych, ukiyo-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The prominent stripes of an American flag in the upper left corner, echoed in the blue-and-white pattern of a courtesan's robe at the far right, identify this mercantile firm as American. In the center is a geisha, a professional entertainer, who plays a shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument. An American woman holds an instrument of the violin or viol family, playing it as if it were a shamisen, with a shamisen plectrum.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura. Beyond the Brush: Japanese Prints, Paper Works and Photographs. vol. XLIII no. 3. p. 33, fig. 4.
  • Ann Yonemura, Milo Cleveland Beach, The Honorable and Mrs. William Leonhart. Yokohama: Prints From 19th Century Japan. Exh. cat. Washington. cat. 53, pp. 140-141.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Whistler's Neighborhood
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use