The artwork, titled “Flowers of Edo (Left)” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, is a woodblock print created circa 1860. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the genre of genre painting. Measuring 37.3 x 25.7 cm, the artwork is currently housed in the British Museum in London, UK.
In the artwork, a scene unfolds in what appears to be a well-furnished room. Three figures, likely engaged in daily activities, dominate the composition. The central figure, dressed in deep blue attire, seems to be participating in an artistic or scholarly endeavor, underscored by the surrounding scrolls, books, and writing implements. The other figures, one dressed in a striped garment and the other in red, seem to be in close interaction or conversation with the central character. The surroundings are meticulously detailed, featuring an assortment of objects such as vases, a decorative kettle, and various containers, providing a glimpse into the setting’s cultural and domestic context. The use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship characteristic of the Ukiyo-e style.
