Water Vendor c. 1830s

"Water Vendor" is an uchiwa-e (fan print) by Yamada Hōgyoku, a Japanese artist active during the Edo period (1603-1868). The print, dated to the 1830s, depicts a water vendor carrying a large yoke with buckets of water. The vendor's clothing and the yoke's design are detailed in the artist's signature style, emphasizing both realism and artistic flair. The print, now located in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to the daily life of Edo period Japan, showcasing the dedication and hard work of everyday laborers.