Japan, Painting Depicting A Foreigner, Late Edo Period – Early Meiji Period

Japanese painting depicting a foreigner, late Edo period – early Meiji period. This rare vertical Japanese painting depicts a foreigner in Western dress, seen in profile, holding a walking stick. He wears a black top hat, a dark frock coat with a long tail, light-colored trousers, and black shoes. The drawing is simple and precise, with an elegant figure standing out against a subdued background. The touch of red at the waist adds rhythm to the composition and reinforces the figure's presence. The work dates from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period, a time when Japanese artists were increasingly interested in foreign figures and clothing from the West. This theme held an important place in Japanese art's openness to the world. It also belongs to an older tradition, already present in the Dejima period, when Japanese painters depicted foreigners observed during exchanges with other countries. The painting has retained its original antique Japanese frame, with a Japanese-style mounting, which adds to its appeal. The paper on the reverse side shows wear and tears, while the painting on the front is in good condition. Dimensions: painting support 19 x 58 cm. Antique Japanese frame 32.5 x 75.5 cm.