Evening Amusements at Ryogoku in the Eastern Capital (Toto Ryogoku yoasobi no zu) 1859

Toyohara Kunichika made this woodblock print, Evening Amusements at Ryogoku in the Eastern Capital, sometime in the late 19th century. In it, Kunichika presents a vibrant scene of nighttime leisure in Edo-period Japan. The print captures the lively atmosphere of Ryogoku, a district known for its theaters and pleasure houses. The woman in the foreground seems to be a high ranking courtesan and would have been central to this culture of ‘entertainment’. Notice how Kunichika uses visual cues, such as the woman's elaborate hairstyle and luxurious kimono to create meaning. Woodblock prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping cultural values during the Edo period, reflecting both its artistic achievements and its social hierarchies. As historians, we can delve into the archives, examining contemporary accounts and social commentaries, to better understand the role of art in shaping Edo society. Art always reflects the values of its own time.