The artwork, titled “Looking weighed-down – The appearance of a waitress at Fukagawa in the Tempo era,” is a portrait from the series “Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life” by the prominent artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. This work belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement, a genre particularly known for its woodblock prints and paintings that flourished in Japan from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
In this piece, Yoshitoshi vividly depicts a waitress burdened with the weight of her responsibilities, exemplified by her portrayal in the artwork. The waitress is adorned in traditional Japanese attire, featuring intricately patterned fabric that hints at the era’s cultural aesthetics. She carries a tray laden with an assortment of bowls, meticulously detailed with various designs and colors, underscoring her toil. Her facial expression conveys a sense of exhaustion, resonating with the title of the work. This portrayal captures the essence of everyday life in the Tempo era, providing a window into the past through the lens of Yoshitoshi’s masterful artistry.
