Women Visiting an Inari Shrine c. 1780 - 1801

"Women Visiting an Inari Shrine" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Katsukawa Shunchō, depicting three elegantly dressed women walking through a serene landscape. The scene likely takes place near an Inari shrine, evident by the torii gate visible in the background, which are commonly found at these Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and sake. The print is a beautiful example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period (1603-1868). Shunchō's signature style, characterized by delicate lines and vibrant colors, adds to the print's charm and captures the fashionable attire and leisurely pursuits of Edo-era women. This work is an excellent example of Shunchō's ability to capture the beauty and elegance of Japanese women and the natural world in a refined and evocative manner.