Earthworm and black cricket on creeping saxifrage 1788

"Earthworm and black cricket on creeping saxifrage" is a woodblock print from 1788 by the famous Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro. Known for his depictions of beautiful women and everyday life, Utamaro also created exquisite nature studies like this one. The print features a detailed and delicate portrayal of a creeping saxifrage plant, with intricate details on the leaves and stems. A black cricket sits perched on the plant, while an earthworm is depicted crawling nearby. Utamaro's masterful use of color and fine lines showcases his keen observation of nature and his ability to capture the essence of the natural world. This print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Utamaro's versatility as an artist and his dedication to capturing the beauty of his surroundings.