Picture Book- Children of the East (E-hon azuma warawa) 1804

Utagawa Toyohiro created this woodblock printed book called "Picture Book- Children of the East" to capture the fleeting beauty and social customs of his time. The late 18th and early 19th centuries were a period of relative peace and economic growth in Japan, fostering a vibrant urban culture, particularly in Edo, now Tokyo. The print offers a glimpse into the lives of women and children, key figures in the artist's world. The women are adorned in elegant kimonos, subtly asserting their status through the quality of their garments. There is an intentional balance between the representation of people and the setting of a lush landscape. Toyohiro's work reflects both the aesthetic values of his era and the social norms that dictated the roles and appearances of women. "Picture Book- Children of the East" offers a nuanced look at the intricacies of Japanese society. It invites us to reflect on the roles of women and children, and perhaps consider how those roles have evolved over time.