A Number of People in the Street Going about Various Affairs 1868 - 1912

This ink-on-paper drawing, "A Number of People in the Street Going about Various Affairs," by Okumura Masanobu, depicts a lively scene of everyday life in Edo-era Japan. Created between 1868 and 1912, the work showcases Masanobu’s characteristic style of depicting figures in motion, as well as his keen eye for detail in capturing the bustling energy of a Japanese street. The drawing features a variety of people engaged in different activities, from a man carrying a heavy load on his back to a group of samurai walking by. Masanobu, a prolific ukiyo-e artist, is known for his depictions of popular culture, including the lives of ordinary people. This drawing, with its simple but expressive lines, offers a glimpse into the daily routines of Edo society.