The Tama River at Ide, Yamashiro Province 1766

Suzuki Harunobu created this polychrome woodblock print called 'The Tama River at Ide, Yamashiro Province' in Japan in the mid-1760s. Here we see three women wading through a shallow river, their robes elegantly patterned and their expressions demure. This image is part of a series depicting famous beauty spots throughout Japan, re-imagined with contemporary women. The poems inscribed in the upper right contribute to the scene’s layered meaning: the verse refers to the famous Tama River, celebrated in classical literature for its beauty. Harunobu subtly connects these women to a refined, literary tradition. Yet their clothing and hairstyles place them firmly in the artist’s present. Prints like this were popular in the burgeoning urban centers of Edo-period Japan. They reflect a culture that valued both classical knowledge and modern fashion. Delving into the history of Japanese art, literature, and fashion of the time helps us understand this delicate balance. It gives context to Harunobu’s blending of the old and the new.