Building the Tsurugaoka Machimangū Shrine late 18th-early 19th century

"Building the Tsurugaoka Machimangū Shrine" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Kubo Shunman, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century. The print depicts three carpenters working diligently on the construction of the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura, Japan. Shunman, known for his meticulous detail and evocative depictions of daily life, captures the physical exertion and concentration of the workers. The print's soft colors and delicate lines convey a sense of tranquility and beauty amidst the labor. This woodblock print is a testament to Shunman's skill in portraying both the grandeur of architectural projects and the humble lives of those who built them. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this valuable piece of Japanese art.