Picking Persimmons

"Picking Persimmons" by Kitagawa Utamaro is a vivid and finely detailed woodblock print that captures a group of Japanese women engaged in the delicate task of harvesting persimmons. The print is divided aesthetically into a series of panels, lending a narrative flow to the scene.In this multi-panel artwork, the composition skillfully spans across each segment, portraying women dressed in traditional, flowing kimonos. Their garments feature intricate patterns and are in varying shades of soft oranges, deep reds, and muted golds, perhaps to echo the hues of the ripening persimmons.Several women are depicted standing, reaching up gracefully to pluck the golden-orange fruit from the laden branches, while others are actively engaged in collecting the fallen fruits into baskets. In one panel, a woman stands perched on a small ladder, which adds a striking vertical element to the scene and highlights the height of the persimmon tree. Her pose indicates balance and focus as she picks the fruit.The background scenery is subtly rendered, showing hints of a gentle autumn landscape with sparse foliage and tree trunks that suggest a tranquil, rural setting. This atmosphere allows the vibrancy of the women's attire and their activities to stand out, reflecting the beauty and cultural richness of the moment.Utamaro's mastery in rendering human figures and his sensitive portrayal of everyday activities is evident in this work.