American Warship

Uncredited Artist

1854

Woodblock print

This artwork was created a few years before Japan’s borders were forced open. It is a depiction of how the Americans traveled to Japan and has many elements of movement in it. First, the subject is one of travel across great distances, and it highlights the oddities of these foreigners. There are many all black figures across the ship in acts of climbing, swinging, and general work. It makes sense that the insular culture of Japan has never seen a black person before, so these characters stand out. The ship itself is personified, with the portholes looking like eyes of a massive sea beast, appearing demonic in nature. There is a clear fascination with this sea vessel from the Japanese point of view.

http://i.imgur.com/J8C1AzC.jpg

american_warship.jpg

Patrick Wilson