Three Water Carriers at the Shore 1743 - 1812

"Three Water Carriers at the Shore" is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, a prominent artist of the ukiyo-e school, known for his depictions of everyday life in Edo-era Japan. The print depicts three women carrying buckets of water, with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the scene. The artist's attention to detail and skillful use of color bring this scene of daily life to life, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in 18th-century Japan. The scene is set in a coastal landscape, with a sandy beach and a line of trees in the background, highlighting the natural beauty of the setting. This print is a fine example of Shunkō’s work and showcases the artistic merit of the ukiyo-e tradition, a genre that captured the fleeting beauty and pleasures of everyday life.