Artwork preview

Imported Silk Reeling Machine at Tsukiji in Tokyo

Utagawa Yoshitora

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Colorful woodblock print of people working at an imported silk reeling machine in a brick building with large windows. The building has a dark roof and two brick pillars in the foreground. Inside the building, people in traditional Japanese clothing operate machinery. The machinery appears to be old-fashioned and includes large wheels. The workers are dressed in various shades of blue, red, and other colors. Some workers are standing, while others are seated. The scene is set in Tokyo, at a location called Tsukiji. The overall scene depicts a busy industrial setting with many workers. The print is divided into sections, suggesting it may be a triptych. The image shows a mix of industrial and traditional Japanese elements. The figures are detailed and show various actions related to operating the machinery. The background of the print is white. The composition includes a balance of interior and exterior spaces. There are details like a bucket and a long pole with a bucket on the exterior.

Artwork Details

Date
4th month, 1872
Medium
Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 305 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette