Amusements in Kyoto in the Four Seasons 1777 - 1783

This delicate ink drawing of Kyoto's seasonal amusements was created by Maruyama Ōkyo, born in 1733. Here, we see throngs of figures enjoying the water. In Japan, water, particularly rivers and seas, is often associated with purification and transition. Shinto rituals frequently involve cleansing with water to purify the body and spirit. Notice the carefree abandon with which the figures engage with the water—a powerful symbol of renewal and release. Consider similar scenes across cultures—the River Ganges in India, or baptismal fonts in Christianity. Each shares this common thread: water as a transformative element. It’s no accident that the subconscious mind is moved by it, stirring deep-seated memories and desires for cleansing and rebirth. This timeless image of joyous immersion reminds us that even across centuries and cultures, the human experience of seeking renewal remains a constant. The allure of water, its promise of purification, continues to beckon, echoing through art and our collective psyche.