The artwork entitled “Sawyers Cutting a Log,” created by the renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai in 1839, is a woodcut representative of the Ukiyo-e art movement. With dimensions measuring 26.4 x 37.5 cm, this piece falls under the genre of genre painting, a style that depicts scenes from everyday life.
In “Sawyers Cutting a Log,” Hokusai illustrates a dynamic scene of laborers engaged in the task of sawing a log. The central focus is on the workers, with one man positioned above the log and another below, both synchronously operating a large saw. The backdrop features a picturesque landscape with trees and rolling hills, enhancing the sense of depth and daily rural activity. The workers’ postures and expressions convey the strenuous effort involved in their work. Surrounding elements such as additional logs, a water container, and other workers contribute to the vibrant narrative of the artwork. The meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious blending of natural and human elements reflect the quintessential characteristics of the Ukiyo-e movement.
