The artwork, titled “Flounder from Wakasa,” is a woodblock print created by the esteemed artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi in the year 1852. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and forms part of the series “Celebrated Products of Mountains and Seas.” The artwork, measuring 36.1 x 24.5 cm, resides in the British Museum, London, UK. It falls under the genre of portraiture and bijinga (depictions of beautiful women).
In the artwork, a finely dressed woman is depicted with a serene expression, adorned in a lavishly decorated kimono featuring ornate floral patterns. Her elaborate hairstyle is complemented by an intricate hair ornament consisting of floral and geometric elements. The upper portion of the artwork includes a vibrant vignette of people engaged in what appears to be the drying of fish, reflecting a traditional scene. The juxtaposition of the delicate portrait with the detailed background scene showcases the blend of personal and cultural narratives typical of Ukiyo-e prints. The combination of vivid colors and intricate detailing is emblematic of Kuniyoshi’s mastery in woodblock printing.
