Kawakami Sumio first began taking an interest in exotic themes after reading a book that was popular during the Taisho Era (1912–1926) on the so-called Nanban culture that was brought to Japan from the West. Kawakami did not limit himself to the generally accepted narrow definition of Nanban (meaning Portugal and Spain), but instead used the term to refer to the Netherlands as well. Over his lifetime he made paintings of more than 100 foreign ships. This work is one of the first made into a woodcut print. With its three masts, ornately decorated stern, and the cannons on the sides, the work captures the key characteristics of the galleon traders and battleships of the Age of Discovery. Sailors climb like acrobats on the masts, while people play cards on deck. And on the bow, there are missionaries looking into the distance.
(KATADA Yuko)
Kawakami Sumio first began taking an interest in exotic themes after reading a book that was popular during the Taisho Era (1912–1926) on the so-called Nanban culture that was brought to Japan from the West. Kawakami did not limit himself to the generally accepted narrow definition of Nanban (meaning Portugal and Spain), but instead used the term to refer to the Netherlands as well. Over his lifetime he made paintings of more than 100 foreign ships. This work is one of the first made into a woodcut print. With its three masts, ornately decorated stern, and the cannons on the sides, the work captures the key characteristics of the galleon traders and battleships of the Age of Discovery. Sailors climb like acrobats on the masts, while people play cards on deck. And on the bow, there are missionaries looking into the distance.
(KATADA Yuko)