Who painted Women Making Clothing?

Women Making Clothing was painted by Utagawa Toyokuni I in 1794.

Where can I see Women Making Clothing?

Women Making Clothing is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Women Making Clothing?

Women Making Clothing is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Women Making Clothing

Utagawa Toyokuni I , 1794

Women Making Clothing is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Women Making Clothing is a woodblock print executed by the Japanese artist Utagawa Toyokuni around 1794. The image depicts female figures engaged in the preparation of garments, a common theme in Edo‑period visual culture. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of late‑18th‑century ukiyo‑e.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates women at work, likely in a domestic or workshop setting, highlighting the everyday labor involved in textile production. By focusing on the act of clothing manufacture, the image reflects contemporary interest in scenes of daily life and the social roles of women within the bustling urban environment of Edo.

Technique & Style

Toyokini employed the traditional ukiyo‑e woodblock method, carving separate blocks for line work and color before printing them in succession. The composition balances detailed figures with a relatively flat background, characteristic of the late Tokugawa period’s emphasis on clear narrative and decorative patterning.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1794, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the 20th century, though the precise path of ownership prior to that remains undocumented. Its presence in a major American museum underscores the broader movement of Japanese prints into Western collections during the early modern era.

Context

Utagawa Toyokuni was a leading figure of the Utagawa school, known for his dynamic actor portraits and genre scenes. This work aligns with his broader output that captured popular subjects for a growing urban audience, reflecting the commercial and cultural vibrancy of Edo’s print market.