Mole cricket and earwig on bamboo shoot 1788

This woodblock print from 1788 depicts a bamboo shoot with two insects: a mole cricket and an earwig, showcasing Utamaro's detailed and delicate style. Created during Japan's Edo period, it is characteristic of Utamaro’s “surimono” prints, small, exquisite prints often featuring natural subjects. Utamaro, renowned for his depictions of beautiful women, demonstrated a keen interest in nature through these smaller works. The print's serene composition and intricate details reveal Utamaro's artistry beyond the realm of human subjects.