Descending Geese in the Archery Gallery (Yokyuba no Rakugan) c. 1770s

"Descending Geese in the Archery Gallery (Yokyuba no Rakugan)" is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Kitao Shigemasa, created in the 1770s. This vibrant print depicts a scene of two women, one dressed in a hooded robe, the other in a long, striped kimono, standing in an archery gallery. Scattered around the room are numerous arrows, suggesting a recent practice session. The print captures the beauty and elegance of traditional Japanese clothing and architecture, showcasing Shigemasa's skill in depicting everyday life in Edo-period Japan. This print exemplifies the "ukiyo-e" (pictures of the floating world) genre, which emphasized the transient pleasures of life in urban Japan.