The Ninth Month (Ku gatsu), from the series "Fashionable Twelve Months (Furyu junikagetsu)" c. 1793

"The Ninth Month (Ku gatsu)" is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Toyokuni I, created around 1793. Part of the "Fashionable Twelve Months (Furyu junikagetsu)" series, it depicts a fashionable woman in traditional attire, reading a scroll. The print features detailed illustrations of the woman's elaborate clothing, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns popular during the Edo period. The scene captures a moment of leisure and refinement, highlighting the evolving cultural trends of the time. This print is an excellent example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints that flourished during the Edo period, often depicting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and kabuki theater.