Who painted 今戸川|Imadogawa?

今戸川|Imadogawa was painted by Katsushika Hokusai in 1802.

Where can I see 今戸川|Imadogawa?

今戸川|Imadogawa is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 今戸川|Imadogawa?

今戸川|Imadogawa is associated with Japonisme.

Artwork

今戸川|Imadogawa

Katsushika Hokusai , 1802

今戸川|Imadogawa is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1802, this woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicts a quiet riverside scene. Executed in ink and color on paper, the work measures a modest size typical of ukiyo-e prints and is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on two women engaged in domestic labor beside a riverbank. One kneels, handling a long cloth, while the other sits at a low table surrounded by tools and a basket, suggesting textile work or washing. The surrounding reeds, solitary tree, and distant boats convey a slice of everyday life in early‑19th‑century Japan.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employs restrained line work and a muted palette, allowing the sky and water to merge into a soft, uniform background. Subtle cross‑hatching creates delicate shadows, while flat areas of color define the figures and foliage. The overall effect is one of calm simplicity, characteristic of his approach to genre scenes.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during Hokusai’s prolific period of landscape and genre imagery. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it has been displayed as an example of Edo‑period printmaking and daily life representation.

Context

At the turn of the 19th century, ukiyo-e artists increasingly turned to scenes of ordinary labor and rural settings, reflecting a broader interest in the lives of common people. Hokusai’s depiction of women at work aligns with this trend, offering insight into gendered tasks and the visual culture of the Edo period.