Preparing Fish c. 1780 - 1801

Katsukawa Shunchō created this print, "Preparing Fish," now at the Art Institute of Chicago, using woodblock printing techniques. The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by soft, muted colors. The figures, rendered with delicate lines, are set against a pale yellow background. Notice how Shunchō uses line to define form, creating a contrast between the detailed patterns of the woman's robe and the more subdued treatment of the man. The artist employs a high vantage point, which allows the viewer to observe the scene as a whole, emphasizing the spatial relationships between the figures and their surroundings. This print embodies Ukiyo-e's focus on daily life, but its formal qualities suggest a deeper engagement with visual structure. The calculated use of line and composition reflects a conscious effort to present an artwork that operates within a specific aesthetic framework.