Returning Sails at Ryogoku River (Ryogoku no kihan), from the series "Eight Parodies by Contemporary Beauties (Tosei mitate bijin hakkei)" c. late 18th century

"Returning Sails at Ryogoku River (Ryogoku no kihan)" is a woodblock print from the series "Eight Parodies by Contemporary Beauties (Tosei mitate bijin hakkei)" created by Kitao Shigemasa, a renowned Japanese artist who worked in the late 18th century. The print depicts two women, one seated and adjusting her hair, while the other stands gracefully with a fan in hand. Their elaborate kimonos and the intricate detail of their surroundings showcase Shigemasa's mastery of color and line, typical of the ukiyo-e style that captured the beauty and everyday life of Edo-period Japan. This print is part of a larger series, each print featuring a different scene from the popular play "The Eight Beauties" and a witty inscription.