The Big Snowman c. 1764

Kitao Shigemasa created this woodblock print titled "The Big Snowman" sometime in the late 18th century, a period marked by the flourishing of ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," in Japan. This print provides us a glimpse into the leisure activities of the Edo period. During a time of relative peace, the merchant class had the financial means to enjoy cultural pursuits, like the creation of enormous snow sculptures. Here, Shigemasa captures the communal joy of constructing a giant snowman, a task that surely required cooperation and shared effort. We see children playing, and adults helping to lift an enormous snowball. Consider the role of class and labor in this scene. While the act of building a snowman is playful, it also speaks to the social dynamics of the time. Ukiyo-e prints often depicted the lives of ordinary people, elevating everyday moments to the level of art. The smiles and rosy cheeks of the figures suggest a sense of warmth and connection, set against a backdrop of cold weather. The image may remind us that even in times of social hierarchy, shared experiences can bring people together.