Ebisu God Cooking a Red Snapper by Kitagawa Utamaro

Ebisu God Cooking a Red Snapper c. 19th century

print, ink, color-on-paper

toned paper

ink drawing

ink painting

print

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

ink colored

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

watercolor

This 19th-century woodblock print, "Ebisu God Cooking a Red Snapper," by Kitagawa Utamaro, depicts the Shinto deity Ebisu preparing a fish for a meal. Utamaro was a master of the ukiyo-e genre, and this print exemplifies his skill in capturing the beauty and everyday life of Edo-period Japan. The depiction of Ebisu, a god of fishing and good fortune, preparing a meal for two women symbolizes prosperity and abundance. The vibrant colors, detailed lines, and dynamic composition bring this scene to life, making it a compelling example of Utamaro's artistic talent.