Looking Weighed Down; The Manner of a Waitress at Fukagawa in the Tenpō Era — History & Facts
In Looking Weighed Down; The Manner of a Waitress at Fukagawa in the Tenpō Era, we see a young waitress dressed in traditional attire. The colors are soft, with muted tones of blue and brown dominating the scene. She appears burdened, perhaps by her workload, as she carries a tray filled with food.
The background features a bustling street scene, typical of the Edo period, filled with other figures going about their daily lives. This artwork is a woodblock print, a popular medium in Japan during the Edo period. The details are finely rendered, showcasing Yoshitoshi's skill in capturing the textures of fabrics and the expressions of his subjects. The print measures approximately 25 x 35 cm, making it a modest size that invites close inspection.
The composition is balanced, with the waitress positioned centrally, drawing the viewer's eye. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi was known for his innovative approach to Ukiyo-e, blending traditional techniques with modern themes. This particular work reflects the everyday life of a waitress, a subject not often highlighted in art of the time. Interestingly, Yoshitoshi's works often depict women in various roles, showcasing their strength and resilience.
His ability to capture the nuances of human emotion is evident in this piece, making it a notable example of his oeuvre.
More Artworks by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Frost fills the air and the autumn air is still/lines of returning geese cross the moon in the third hour-Kenshin, from the series Twelve Aspects of the Moon
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Fukami Jikyu in maanlicht
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Looking Shy; The Manners of a Young Girl of the Meiji Era
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

The Lonely House on Adachi Moor in Northern Japan
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Inaba Mountain moon (Inabayama no tsuki)
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Omori Hikoshichi
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

One Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

The Saga Incident
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Bon Festival Moon (Bon no tsuki)
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Preparing to Take a Stroll; The Wife of a Nobleman of the Meiji Period
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
More Genre Scene Art

Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard
Frans Hals

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt van Rijn

Bal du moulin de la Galette
Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Quadrille at the Moulin Rouge
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

A Burial at Ornans
Gustave Courbet

When Will You Marry?
Paul Gauguin
