Utamaro - Abalone Divers

Kitagawa Utamaro

Left hand panel of a triptych depicting ama divers—women whose work is to dive for shellfish or pearls. Traditionally they dive naked except for a waistcloth and a cord with one end above the water. They also carry a knife to pry open shells. The print is signed Utamaro hitsu (哥麿筆, "the brush of Utamaro").

Condition: Backed, cropped as shown. Yellowed from the environment.

Date: 1798

Dimensions: 14 7/8 x 9 3/4 in. (37.8 x 24.8 cm)

Publisher: Unknown