The Loyal Wife Koto Recognizes Her Long-Lost Husband as a Rickshaw Driver 1875

This 1875 woodblock print, "The Loyal Wife Koto Recognizes Her Long-Lost Husband as a Rickshaw Driver," by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is a poignant example of the *ukiyo-e* genre. The print depicts a woman named Koto, who is riding in a rickshaw and suddenly recognizes her long-lost husband as the rickshaw driver. Yoshitoshi's dynamic composition and vibrant colors capture the emotional impact of the reunion, as Koto's hand reaches out in shock and her husband, startled, covers his face. The print is a moving portrayal of the enduring power of love and the unexpected ways in which fate can intervene. This print also highlights the evolving urban life of Japan in the 19th century, as rickshaws become increasingly common.