Manufacturing Pots and Kettles in Kawaguchi 1879

Kobayashi Kiyochika's woodblock print, *Manufacturing Pots and Kettles in Kawaguchi* (1879), depicts the bustling scene of a Japanese metalworking workshop. The dynamic composition features a central furnace, engulfed in flames and smoke, where workers are engaged in the laborious process of crafting pots and kettles. The artist captures the intensity of the work, emphasizing the heat and glow emanating from the furnace. The print serves as a snapshot of industrial life in late 19th century Japan, showcasing the rise of new industries and the changing social landscape.