The New Year's Festival, from the series "Precious Children's Games of the Five Festivals (Kodakara gosetsu asobi)" c. 1801

"The New Year's Festival" is a woodblock print from the series "Precious Children's Games of the Five Festivals (Kodakara gosetsu asobi)" by the renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyonaga. Created around 1801, this work depicts children dressed in elaborate traditional clothing engaged in New Year's festivities. The print showcases Kiyonaga's signature delicate lines and vibrant colors, capturing the spirit of this joyous occasion in Edo-period Japan. The playful interactions of the children, along with the detailed depiction of their attire and the festive decorations, offer viewers a glimpse into the cultural traditions and social life of the time. This print is a testament to Kiyonaga's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, which often celebrated the beauty of everyday life and the fleeting pleasures of the urban world.