Sumida River Holiday 1788 - 1790

This is Sumida River Holiday, a triptych woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga. It offers us a glimpse into the leisure activities of the late 18th century Edo period. The print depicts a group of elegantly dressed figures enjoying a festive gathering on a pleasure boat. The scene overflows with cultural codes, referencing social status, gender roles and the ephemeral nature of pleasure. Kiyonaga, who was the son of a bookseller, became head of the Torii school, known for its depictions of actors and beautiful women. The figures here, with their elongated proportions and serene expressions, suggest a world of refined beauty, but there’s also something performative about it all. The women are adorned in elaborate kimonos, their postures and interactions carefully arranged to convey an image of grace and sophistication. Yet, their idealized representation also obscures the complex realities of women's lives during this era. The men are a mixture of merchants, identifiable by their clothing and demeanor, with a few samurai. As you gaze at this scene, consider the ways in which Kiyonaga both celebrates and idealizes the floating world of Edo period Japan.