Summer Twilight on the Banks of the Sumida River c. 1784

Torii Kiyonaga created this woodblock print, titled *Summer Twilight on the Banks of the Sumida River*. Made during the Edo period, this work presents an intimate look into the lives of women in 18th-century Japan. We see three figures strolling along the Sumida River. Their elegant kimonos and poised demeanor speak to the social expectations placed on women of the merchant class during this era. Yet, there is an emotional complexity here too; their subtle interactions hint at personal stories. Kiyonaga, as an artist, was known for depicting women in a dignified and idealized manner, moving away from previous representations that often sexualized them. In his prints, women are not merely objects of beauty but are presented as individuals with their own social relationships. This print reflects a shift toward recognizing women’s roles and experiences, though still within certain societal constraints. The twilight setting adds an additional layer to the emotional atmosphere of the work. It invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of time. How does this artwork invite you to contemplate both the historical context and personal experience of these women?