Nankin by Utagawa Yoshikazu (1848-1863) by Jan Toorop. Giclee Print with Pigment Based Ink on Museum Quality Matte Paper in a Custom Built Sustainable Wood Frame.
Thematic or Conceptual Context: Depiction of foreign cultures and people
Artist's Intent and Context: To portray scenes of foreign lands and cultures to a Japanese audience during a time of limited contact with the outside world
Formal elements and Composition: Use of vibrant colors
detailed line work
and composition typical of ukiyo-e prints. Utagawa Yoshikazu's "Nankin" is a captivating woodblock print that exemplifies the artist's mastery within the ukiyo-e tradition during Japan's Edo period. Yoshikazu, active between 1848 and 1863, was a prominent figure in the Utagawa school, renowned for its dynamic portrayal of everyday life, landscapes, and historical scenes. His works often reflect the vibrant cultural exchanges between Japan and the West, a theme that resonates deeply in "Nankin."
Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Yoshikazu thrived during a time of significant social and political change in Japan, marked by the end of the isolationist policies of the Tokugawa shogunate and the subsequent influx of foreign influences. This period, known as the Bakumatsu, was characterized by a burgeoning curiosity about the outside world, which Yoshikazu captured through his art.
"Nankin," a term historically used to denote the Chinese city of Nanjing, is a testament to Yoshikazu's fascination with foreign lands and cultures. The piece is a vibrant tableau, depicting imagined scenes of life in Nanjing with a blend of meticulous detail and imaginative flair. Utilizing the ukiyo-e technique of woodblock printing, Yoshikazu employed vivid colors and bold lines to create a sense of movement and life.
Philosophically, Yoshikazu embraced the ukiyo-e ethos of capturing the "floating world"—the transient beauty of urban life and its fleeting pleasures. Through "Nankin," he invites viewers to explore the exotic and unfamiliar, encouraging a dialogue between cultures.
The significance of "Nankin" lies in its reflection of Japan's transitional era and its artistic exploration of cross-cultural curiosity. The original print is housed in various collections, including esteemed institutions like the Tokyo National Museum, preserving its legacy as a cultural bridge between Japan and the wider world.
Experience this masterpiece as a museum-quality fine art print with vibrant, true-to-life colors, created using advanced 12-color giclée printing technology. Elegantly framed in premium oak or ash wood with unique grain patterns, each print arrives ready to hang, showcasing the artwork on archival-grade, master's edition, museum-quality acid-free paper for a glare-free, clean finish.
Giclée printing delivers exceptional resolution, expansive color spectrum, and uncompromising detail, ensuring high-quality reproductions that closely mirror the original artwork. Preferred by artists, photographers, and galleries, it offers a precise replication of color palettes, capturing every nuance for timeless masterpieces ideal for your home or office.
Crafted with fade-resistant, pigment-based archival inks , these prints guarantee longevity and brilliance for generations. Frames are custom-built by specialist artisans, featuring a 20mm (0.79") thick design with shatterproof plexiglass protection. Available in various sizes, they are eco-friendly, using FSC-certified materials and responsibly sourced wood.
Key Features:
Frame Material: Responsibly sourced oak or ash wood. Paper Finish: Smooth, glare-free matte; 200 gsm (80 lb), 0.26 mm (10.3 mils). Color Vibrancy: High-quality ink technology ensures vivid and accurate colors. Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass. Eco-Friendly: Printed on FSC-certified paper and wood. Ready-to-Hang: Includes a hanging kit for immediate display. Enjoy timeless art with unmatched quality and sustainability.
