The Eighth Month (Hachigatsu), from the series "Popular Customs of the Twelve Months (Fuzoku juni ko)" c. 1780 - 1801

"The Eighth Month (Hachigatsu)" is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunchō from his series "Popular Customs of the Twelve Months (Fuzoku juni ko)". The print depicts three women in a boat on a river, enjoying a leisurely outing on a summer's day. This work exemplifies the ukiyo-e style, a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period, known for its depiction of everyday life and popular culture. Shunchō's masterful use of color and detail creates a sense of tranquility and the beauty of the natural world. This artwork is considered a valuable example of Japanese printmaking.