Obverse: the obverse features the artwork “Femme portant une boîte” (Woman Carrying a Box) by the Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro. The inscriptions “Utamaro”, “Femme portant une boîte”, “RF” (République Française), and the year of issue 1997 appear alongside the design.
Reverse: the reverse displays the denomination “10 Francs” and its equivalent “1/2 euro”, surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union. Around the edge are the inscriptions “Trésors des Musées d'Europe” (Treasures of Europe’s Museums) and France’s national motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
About the coin: this silver coin belongs to the French “Treasures of Europe’s Museums” series, dedicated to renowned masterpieces of world art. It features a work by Kitagawa Utamaro, one of the most celebrated masters of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Utamaro became famous for his elegant portrayals of women, which later influenced European artists and collectors.
