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An Englishman Sorting Fabrics for Trade at Yokohama

1861
Utagawa Sadahide (Japanese, c. 1807–1873) Published by Moriya Jihei (Japanese, active c. 1797–1886) Published by Kinshindō, Japan (19th century) Engraved by Koizumi Minokichi
The woman in the framed portrait, which is positioned to suggest that it is hanging on a wall, is most likely the absent wife of the seated merchant examining fabrics. Depicting one partner as a picture is a Japanese artistic convention for representing a couples' yearning for each other when parted. The Western community of Yokohama was dominated by young men who had left wives and children behind.

Object Details

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