Picking Clams 1781 - 1801

"Picking Clams" is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Toyokuni I, one of the most prominent artists of the ukiyo-e school in Edo-period Japan. The print depicts a scene of women leisurely collecting clams on a beach. This work, created between 1781 and 1801, showcases Toyokuni's mastery of depicting daily life, often with an emphasis on fashionable attire and social interactions. The composition is dynamic, with figures arranged in various poses across the scene, and the use of vibrant colors enhances the visual appeal. Today, this artwork can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, offering a glimpse into the everyday activities and aesthetics of Edo-period Japan.