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Abalone Divers off the Coast of Ise, from an Untitled Landscape Series, early 1830s
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Abalone Divers off the Coast of Ise, from an Untitled Landscape Series, early 1830s
Abalone Divers off the Coast of Ise, from an Untitled Landscape Series, early 1830s. Prolific printmaker Utagawa Kunisada produced this seascape of abalone fishing as part of a series of untitled landscape prints in the early Tenpo era (1830-44). In the coastal city of Ise on Japans main island of Honshu, female divers called ama traditionally did the physically demanding job of harvesting shellfish such as abalone. These marine snails are valuable for their edible flesh, and their iridescent inner shell is a source of mother-of-pearl. This print depicts three stages of the harvest: One diver plunges into the water, another holds her breath while prying an abalone off the rocks with a blade, and a third ama conveys her successful harvest to the beaming fishermen on the boat
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Media ID 19618199
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1615 1868 1786 1865 Utagawa Kunisada Utagawa Kunisada Japanese Colour Woodblock Print
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This print titled "Abalone Divers off the Coast of Ise" takes us back to the early 1830s, during Japan's Tenpo era. Renowned printmaker Utagawa Kunisada masterfully captures a serene seascape featuring female divers known as ama in the coastal city of Ise on Honshu Island. In this untitled landscape series, Kunisada portrays the physically demanding task of abalone fishing. Abalones, prized for their delectable flesh and iridescent mother-of-pearl shells, were harvested by these skilled divers. The print showcases three distinct stages of this ancient practice: one diver gracefully plunges into the water with determination, another adeptly retrieves an abalone from rocky depths using a blade while holding her breath, and a third triumphant ama presents her successful harvest to beaming fishermen aboard a boat. Through vibrant colors and intricate details characteristic of woodblock prints from the Edo period (1615-1868), Kunisada transports viewers to this fascinating world where tradition meets nature's bounty. This artwork not only celebrates the beauty of Japanese landscapes but also pays homage to the dedication and resilience of these remarkable women who played an integral role in sustaining their communities. Preserved at The Cleveland Museum of Art, this piece by Utagawa Kunisada is a testament to his artistic prowess and serves as a window into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
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