Whale Fishing 1800 - 1868

This anonymous Japanese woodblock print depicts a scene of whale fishing, a common practice in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The print, which is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, features a group of boats surrounding a whale, suggesting the intensity and danger of the hunt. The detailed depiction of the boats, the choppy waves, and the figures on board, convey the dynamic nature of the activity. The artist's use of black ink creates a powerful and evocative scene of Japanese whaling tradition. This print offers a glimpse into the cultural and economic significance of whale hunting in 19th-century Japan.