A picnic under cherry trees c. 1755s

Torii Kiyomitsu’s woodblock print, *A picnic under cherry trees*, offers a glimpse into the leisure activities of Edo-period Japan. Kiyomitsu, as a member of the Torii school, specialized in portraying actors and scenes from Kabuki theatre. It’s important to consider that the women depicted here are likely not commoners but courtesans, celebrated for their beauty, wit, and artistic talents. Their elaborate kimonos, adorned with intricate patterns, and carefully styled hair reflect their status and the expectations placed upon them. The presence of musical instruments suggests a cultivated atmosphere, where artistic expression and social interaction intertwine. The male figure, kneeling and gazing upwards, underscores the dynamics of gender and class within this carefully constructed world. *A picnic under cherry trees* invites us to consider the complexities of representation and the lives of women in a society defined by rigid social norms, while providing a space for the expression of personal emotions and connections.