“Timber in Iwami Province” is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in 1852. The artwork belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the genre of bijinga. It is part of the series titled “Celebrated Products of Mountains and Seas.”
The artwork features a finely dressed woman, embodying the bijinga style which focuses on the depiction of beautiful women. The woman’s elaborately detailed kimono showcases vibrant colors and intricate patterns, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. Her hair is adorned with ornate hairpins, further enhancing her elegance. In the background, a vignette depicts laborers, likely involved in timber work, set against a snowy mountainous landscape. This contrast between the foreground and background subjects highlights the duality of beauty and labor, a recurring theme in Ukiyo-e prints. The overall composition is meticulous, with an emphasis on harmonious color schemes and detailed line work. The print is a brilliant representation of the Ukiyo-e tradition, merging aesthetic beauty with everyday life elements.
