Cormorant fishing, Tamagawa river, Japan, Meiji era (1868-1913)

A Moment of Harmony on the Tamagawa: Fishermen and Travelers in Meiji-Era Japan

Details:
• Historic fine art reproduction of a hand-colored Meiji-era (1868–1912) photograph
• Printed on archival-grade, museum-quality paper for exceptional clarity and longevity
• Made to order in the USA, each print is carefully inspected for quality
• A timeless addition for history lovers, Japan enthusiasts, and those curating culturally rich interiors

About the Artwork
This serene hand-colored image captures a timeless moment along the Tamagawa River in Hachiōji, Japan, where traditional life unfolds in quiet elegance. In the foreground, two fishermen, clad in wide-brimmed straw hats, stand poised on the riverbank with cormorants—trained birds used in the centuries-old fishing technique known as ukai. Revered as both an artisanal practice and a cultural ritual, cormorant fishing dates back over 1,300 years and continues to endure in parts of Japan to this day.

Behind them, a graceful wooden bridge spans the river, populated by a diverse cast of travelers: kimono-clad women carrying umbrellas, merchants balancing baskets, and villagers going about their daily routines. This dynamic juxtaposition of traditional livelihood and community movement evokes the multifaceted spirit of Meiji-era Japan—a time of deep-rooted customs and quiet transformation.

Subtle hand-tinting breathes warmth into the scene, softening the pale sky, shading the water, and infusing human figures with presence. This fine art reproduction invites viewers to experience a beautifully preserved chapter of Japan's living heritage.