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The Great Elephant from a Foreign Land (Ikoku watari dai zo no zu), 1863
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The Great Elephant from a Foreign Land (Ikoku watari dai zo no zu), 1863
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 24369665
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Eating Elephant Enormous Europeans Funny Huge Large Leaf Leaves Oban Triptych Pointing Triptych Trunk Tusk Tusks West Western Westerner Westerners Wrinkle Wrinkled Wrinkles Yokohama Yokohama E Colour Woodblock Print
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This vibrant and whimsical triptych print, titled "The Great Elephant from a Foreign Land" transports viewers back to the Edo period in 19th century Japan. Created by Utagawa Yoshiharu, a renowned ukiyo-e artist, this artwork captures the fascination and curiosity of the Japanese people towards Western culture. In this scene, we witness an enormous elephant standing amidst lush greenery, its wrinkled skin and enormous tusks commanding attention. A group of Japanese men gather around the majestic creature, their gestures and expressions reflecting a mix of awe and amusement. One man points at the elephant with excitement while another playfully imitates its trunk with his hand gesture. The use of vivid colors and intricate details in this woodblock print showcases Yoshiharu's mastery as an artist. The European influence is evident not only in the depiction of the exotic animal but also in the style reminiscent of European prints that were introduced to Japan through Yokohama during that time. "The Great Elephant from a Foreign Land" serves as both entertainment and cultural commentary, highlighting Japan's encounter with foreign lands during a transformative era. It invites us to ponder on themes such as exploration, cross-cultural exchange, and our human fascination with nature's wonders. Displayed proudly at The Art Institute of Chicago's Asian Arts gallery, this piece continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of Eastern tradition and Western inspiration.
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