Arrival of the Korean Embassy in Edo c. 1709

Torii Kiyonobu I made this woodblock print entitled "Arrival of the Korean Embassy in Edo." In this image, we witness the public role of art in 18th-century Japan. It depicts an embassy procession, a carefully orchestrated display of political power and cultural exchange. The print showcases the arrival of Korean emissaries in Edo, now Tokyo, during a period of relative peace and diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The artist uses visual codes to emphasize the power dynamics at play. The Korean delegation is rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting their distinct attire and ceremonial objects. The print suggests an interest in the cultural ‘Other’ while reinforcing the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate’s authority through the controlled display of foreign visitors. Historical documents and diplomatic records provide crucial context, revealing the complex negotiations and cultural performances involved in these embassies. Ultimately, the artwork's meaning is contingent on understanding the social and institutional context in which it was created.