Hokusai's Album of Pictures 1849

This woodblock print from Katsushika Hokusai's "Hokusai's Album of Pictures" (1849) depicts two women engaged in the labor-intensive process of silk production. On the left, a woman operates a spinning wheel, while on the right, another woman uses a loom to weave the silk. The print's realistic depiction of daily life in Edo-era Japan is typical of Hokusai's later work, which often focused on the beauty of everyday objects and activities. This album, a rare example of Hokusai's work, showcases his keen eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this captivating piece of Japanese art history.