Four Seasons in the South - Summer View (Minami shiki natsu no kei) c. 1789 - 1793

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, “Four Seasons in the South - Summer View (Minami shiki natsu no kei)” by Utagawa Toyokuni I, depicts three women, likely courtesans, enjoying the summer season. The women are dressed in elegant kimonos and are adorned with elaborate hairstyles and accessories. The scene, set on a balcony overlooking a bustling harbor, highlights the vibrant atmosphere of Edo-era Japan. The artist's masterful use of color and detail creates a sense of movement and energy. This print, created between 1789 and 1793, exemplifies the popularity of ukiyo-e during the Edo period, and it continues to capture the imagination of art lovers today.