Dutch Couple (Oranda), published by Fujiokaya Keijirō Possibly 1861

Curator: This woodblock print, entitled "Dutch Couple (Oranda)," was created by Utagawa Yoshiiku, a late Edo to Meiji period artist. It's published by Fujiokaya Keijirō and now resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: They look rather…awkward. The coloring, while striking, feels a bit clumsy and the figures seem stiff, almost caricatured. Curator: Indeed. This print reflects Japan’s increasing interest in, yet limited understanding of, Westerners during that period. “Oranda," meaning Dutch, was often used broadly for Europeans. Editor: Ah, so the Dutch attire here is more of a symbolic representation than a literal depiction. The woman carrying a doll, for instance – what does that suggest? Is it a symbol of Western materialism or perhaps a playful commentary on cultural exchange? Curator: Precisely. The doll could signify cultural appropriation or the exotic allure Western goods held. And the man's rather peculiar "Dutch" military garb hints at a similar misunderstanding, or perhaps even satire. Editor: It’s fascinating how this image encapsulates a nation grappling with foreign influence, using symbolic shorthand that's both humorous and insightful. Curator: A visual record of a society on the cusp of immense change, wrestling with its identity.