Evening Snow (Bo-setsu), from the series, "Eight Figural Views" (Sugata Hakkei) 1840 - 1860

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print titled “Evening Snow” as part of his series “Eight Figural Views”. The artwork is from a time when Japan’s rigid class structure dictated many aspects of life, including leisure and dress. "Evening Snow" depicts women in what were then fashionable garments, enjoying an evening gathering. But it's not just a scene of everyday life; the print reflects social norms, as the women are likely courtesans, who were tastemakers that often influenced trends. There’s a quiet intimacy here, despite the social artifice. We see not just fashionable figures, but also an exchange of glances, the tender embrace of a mother and child, and the gentle offering of a rabbit-shaped treat. These moments of humanity challenge the rigid expectations placed upon these women. The artwork reflects the emotional complexities that arise when individuals navigate personal desires within the confines of societal expectations.