Picking Clams
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
The painting "Picking Clams" by Utagawa Toyokuni portrays a lively and detailed scene set along a shoreline. This Japanese woodblock print features a group of elegantly dressed figures, most likely women, engaged in various activities related to clam picking, a popular subject in Ukiyo-e art, which often depicted everyday life activities in pleasant and idealized settings.In the foreground, to the left, a woman is stepping out of a boat, assisted by another who holds her hand for balance. The woman disembarking carries what appears to be a container, possibly for collecting clams. There is another younger figure in the boat, seemingly in a playful mood, which adds a dynamic and familial element to the scene.Further to the right, a group of women and a young girl are depicted on the shore. One woman in the center stands out due to her pose and darker clothing, which may indicate a central character in this scene, possibly leading or organizing the clam-picking activity. This woman's outfit and stance suggest a sense of authority or prominence.Towards the right-most part of the image, other women are fully engaged in picking clams.
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Utagawa Toyokuni (1769-1825) was a prominent Japanese woodblock printmaker and painter of the Edo period. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), he was the chief disciple of Utagawa Toyoharu, a well-respected printmaker. He specialized in kabuki theater prints, which depicted famous actors in performances and featured dramatic scenes from plays. In addition to kabuki theater prints, Toyokuni also produced portraits of geishas, landscapes, and scenes from everyday life. He eventually became a leading master of the Utagawa School.