Hundred Views of Ōsaka c. 1850

Utagawa Kunikazu’s *Hundred Views of Ōsaka* is a woodblock print that captures a fleeting, yet revealing, moment of urban life in 19th-century Japan. During the Edo period, Osaka was a bustling merchant city. Kunikazu offers us a glimpse into its social dynamics. The artist plays with perspective, contrasting the anonymous crowd of figures in elaborate dress with the more intimate depiction of working-class men in the foreground, one perhaps a beggar. Kunikazu draws our attention to their bare feet and exposed skin, a stark visual reminder of their socio-economic status. By including them, he makes visible those often unseen or ignored. Interestingly, Kunikazu died at only 20 years old, adding an additional layer of melancholy to this piece. As you stand here, consider how this composition invites you to reflect on themes of social class and visibility, and the personal histories embedded within.