Optocht met leeuwenkop en lantaarns 1804

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, "Optocht met leeuwenkop en lantaarns" (Procession with Lion Head and Lanterns), was created in 1804 by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806). The print depicts a vibrant procession of figures, some carrying lanterns, and a lion head mask. This print is a fine example of Utamaro's ability to capture the beauty and energy of everyday life in Edo, Japan, through his distinctive use of bold colors, dynamic compositions, and detailed depictions of clothing and hairstyles. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam houses this small but impactful piece.