Yumoto, from the series "Seven Famous Hot Springs of Hakone (Hakone shichito meisho)" c. 1780

Torii Kiyonaga made this woodblock print called ‘Yumoto’ in the late 18th century, and it is now at the Art Institute of Chicago. The print presents an intimate gathering, composed with a delicate balance between the figures and their environment. The muted colour palette enhances the serene mood, drawing us into the calm of a Hakone hot spring. Kiyonaga’s work moves beyond traditional Ukiyo-e depictions of courtesans. Here, we see women enjoying leisure, their forms defined by fluid lines and subtle gradations of colour, reflecting a shift towards naturalism. The composition is carefully structured. Note the strategic placement of each figure and how the architectural lines of the palanquin intersect with the organic shapes of the surrounding trees. This interplay creates a dynamic tension between artifice and nature, a common theme in Edo-period art. Consider the lines – they do not merely outline forms but suggest movement and depth, contributing to a sophisticated interplay of surface and space. Ultimately, Kiyonaga captures a moment of understated elegance. This invites us to contemplate the interplay between representation, identity, and the evolving societal values of his time.