Vrouw met kam in haar hand en man die mand draagt c. 1800 - 1810

Asayama Ashikuni created this woodblock print titled "Woman with comb in her hand and man carrying a basket," sometime between 1759 and 1818. Notice how the soft blues and greys create a tranquil yet somewhat melancholy atmosphere. Ashikuni plays with spatial relationships through the figures’ arrangement. The kneeling woman and standing man aren't simply placed side by side; rather, there is a connection through the gaze, which invites us to consider the relationship between them. The lines of the figures' garments create a complex pattern that both defines their form and flattens the image, characteristic of the ukiyo-e style. The print's design incorporates text which functions as an aesthetic element that complements the visual narrative. Finally, consider how this print challenges the traditional artistic conventions. Ashikuni embraces the ephemeral and the everyday, capturing a moment of human interaction. It’s an artwork that invites us to contemplate the subtle beauty found in the transient moments of life.