Woman Diver (Ama) and Child, center sheet of a tryptuch of abalone divers

In the late 1790s, Utamaro reached the zenith of his popularity, producing series after series, often in triptych form. Awabi Divers is one of the most famous and rare of his triptychs, this print being the center sheet of the series. Utamaro created numerous prints that centered around a mother and child theme. Mary Cassat, who also frequently depicted mothers and children in her own art, admired and collected Utamaro’s prints. In this particular print, a mother is nursing her child and combing her hair.