Act IX c. 1843 - 1846

"Act IX" is a woodblock print by famed Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige, depicting a snowy scene with a couple inside a building. The couple, dressed in traditional clothing, are seated on a tatami floor, with a pine tree and other elements of a Japanese garden visible through the window. This print exemplifies the ukiyo-e genre, which is known for its depictions of everyday life in Edo-era Japan. This print is also notable for its delicate use of color and detail, which captures the quiet beauty of a snowy winter day. The work is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection and measures 6 × 8 3/4 in. (15.3 × 22.2 cm).