Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Sanbashi no Onna," also known as "Woman at the Harbor," is a remarkable woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of the premier masters of the ukiyo-e genre during Japan's Edo period. The image reflects Kuniyoshi's dexterity in blending distinct colors, intricate patterns, and evocative scenes depicting everyday life and mythic grandeur.

The composition prominently features a beautifully adorned woman standing on a wooden pier, facing the water's expanse. The woman is dressed in an exquisitely detailed kimono, decorated with intricate floral motifs and intricate layers, indicating her high status. The colors used in her attire are rich and vibrant, capturing the essence of the Edo period's fashion and cultural splendor.

The tranquil background contrasts with the bustle of the harbor scene. Kuniyoshi masterfully uses negative space, directing the viewer's focus to the woman, yet the distant imagery, including boats and faint outlines of the shore, adds depth and context to the scene. The harbor, indicative of Japan's coastline, evokes a sense of both serenity and dynamism, characteristic of Kuniyoshi's ability to balance complexity with harmony.

The sky is depicted with subtle gradients, suggesting either a serene morning or a calm evening, setting a peaceful ambience that juxtaposes the potential anticipation on the pier. The artist's meticulous attention to the details of water, reflections, and gentle waves further emphasizes his academic precision and artistic skill.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was a pivotal figure in the ukiyo-e movement, renowned for his extraordinary versatility and the broad thematic range of his works, which included landscapes, Kabuki actor portraits, and captivating scenes of historical and mythical narratives. Despite his contemporaries often focusing solely on beautiful women and actors, Kuniyoshi expanded his repertoire substantially, establishing himself as a distinctive voice within the ukiyo-e genre.

"Sanbashi no Onna" fits into Kuniyoshi's oeuvre during a mature phase of his career when he began to focus more on intricate individual portraits and the everyday life of Edo's residents. The painting embodies his ongoing exploration of human experiences set against the backdrop of an ever-modernizing Japan.

Kuniyoshi was known for his keen interest in Western art techniques, such as the use of perspective and shading, which he adeptly integrated into his works, contributing to the sense of depth evident in "Sanbashi no Onna." This integration placed him slightly apart from his peers, who adhered more strictly to traditional Japanese flat perspective.

The original print of "Sanbashi no Onna" remains a treasured piece of ukiyo-e heritage and can frequently be found in significant collections. While the original housing place may vary due to rotations in exhibition schedules worldwide, prominent institutions such as the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, or the Tokyo National Museum often showcase his works. These establishments frequently house substantial collections of ukiyo-e prints, celebrating the profound impact of artists like Kuniyoshi.

The artwork substantiates Kuniyoshi's reputation as an artist of immense skill, blending aesthetic beauty with a storytelling narrative, encapsulating the cultural richness of Edo Japan. "Sanbashi no Onna" stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in the art world, bridging the gap between traditional Japanese artistry and the burgeoning influence of global techniques.