Looking Weighed Down; The Manner of a Waitress at Fukagawa in the Tenpō Era 1888

"Looking Weighed Down; The Manner of a Waitress at Fukagawa in the Tenpō Era" is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, created in 1888. The print depicts a young woman, dressed in a traditional kimono, carrying a tray laden with food. Her posture is strained and her expression is weary, suggesting the hardship of her labor. The print captures a moment in the everyday life of a working-class woman in Edo-period Japan, and is a testament to Yoshitoshi’s skill in capturing the beauty and pathos of human experience. The artist is known for his dramatic use of color, line, and composition in his woodblock prints, often depicting historical figures and scenes from Japanese mythology. This print exemplifies his mastery of these techniques, showcasing the power and expressiveness of the woodblock print medium.