By an Iris Pond c. 1785

"By an Iris Pond" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyonaga around 1785. The artwork depicts five women in various poses, highlighting the beauty and fashion of Edo-period Japan. The women are dressed in vibrant kimonos with intricate patterns, and their hairstyles are elaborately adorned with accessories. One woman is seated on a bench, while the others are standing or kneeling, seemingly admiring a pond filled with irises. The composition showcases Kiyonaga's ability to capture the elegance and grace of his subjects, making it a prime example of the "bijin-ga" genre, which focuses on the depiction of beautiful women.