The artwork, “The Sixth Month (Center)” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, is a woodblock print created circa 1849. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and is a genre painting. Measuring 36.1 x 24.8 cm, the artwork is currently housed at the British Museum in London, UK.
The artwork portrays a woman in a beautifully detailed kimono, adorned with vibrant patterns and intricate designs, indicative of Kuniyoshi’s keen attention to detail and mastery in woodblock printing. The setting appears to be a traditional Japanese exterior, perhaps a garden or veranda, signified by the delicate foliage, a small body of water, and a subtle wooden structure in the background. The predominantly rich and dark hues of blue, purple, and red in the woman’s attire contrast elegantly with the softer tones and intricate floral patterns surrounding her, creating a harmonious yet dynamic composition. The woman’s poised, contemplative posture adds to the serene and reflective mood of the artwork, characteristic of the Ukiyo-e style.
