English Couple (Igirisu), from the series A Collection of Foreigners (Gaikoku jimbutsu zukushi), published by Wakasaya Yōichi Possibly 1861

Editor: This print, "English Couple," by Utagawa Yoshitora, seems to present an image of foreignness, doesn’t it? What cultural scripts are at play here, and how do they function? Curator: Indeed. Consider how the artist renders these figures, perhaps with some unfamiliarity. Notice the woman's bonnet and the man's coat. How might these details speak to a Japanese audience of the time? They become symbols not only of Englishness but also of a perceived exoticism. Editor: So, the clothing acts as a signifier? Curator: Precisely. Clothing, posture, even the simple walking stick, all contribute to a narrative. A narrative constructed through a Japanese lens, telling a story about the "other." What does that suggest about cultural exchange? Editor: That the image is not only about who is depicted, but also about the culture perceiving them. Curator: Exactly. It's a reflection of how cultures interpret and represent one another, creating lasting visual memories.