The Merchant (Sho) from the series Beauties Illustrating the Four Social Classes (Adesugata shi no ko sho) c. 1779

"The Merchant (Sho)" is a woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga, part of the series *Beauties Illustrating the Four Social Classes* (Adesugata shi no ko sho). It portrays two women on a veranda, one reading a letter to the other. The image, created around 1779, is representative of the *ukiyo-e* style, known for its depictions of everyday life, especially the fashionable world of Edo (modern Tokyo). Kiyonaga's work is renowned for its elegant portrayals of women, showcasing the beauty and style of the Edo period in Japan.