Two Oharame on the Bank of a Stream c. 1810s

Fujimaro painted this image of two Oharame women, likely in the late 19th century, using ink and color on silk. The very choice of silk as a ground speaks to a refined artistic practice, but look closer, and you’ll see that the artist’s hand is incredibly precise. The painting is delicate: thin washes of color define the women’s garments, and the artist’s attention to detail extends to the woven baskets on their heads, and the subtle gradations of tone that create depth in the landscape. These skilled techniques reflect a deep engagement with the traditional aesthetics, where both calligraphy and painting were highly valued. The emphasis on skillful brushwork elevates what might seem like a simple genre scene to a more contemplative level. Yet, the subject matter pulls us back to earth. These women, who sell firewood, remind us of the everyday labor that underpins even the most refined artistic traditions. Fujimaro’s painting exists in a delicate balance between the world of high art and the realities of daily life.