Rural Scene in Early Summer: Peasants Transplanting Rice and a Man Washing a Horse c. late 1790s

"Rural Scene in Early Summer: Peasants Transplanting Rice and a Man Washing a Horse" is a *ukiyo-e* woodblock print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, depicting a tranquil scene of everyday life in the Japanese countryside. Created in the late 1790s, the print captures the delicate beauty of rural Japan, with its lush foliage and quiet atmosphere. The work showcases Shun'ei's ability to depict figures and natural details with subtle elegance, contributing to the sense of peaceful harmony within the scene. The contrasting depiction of the busy rice field and the calm horse washing scene demonstrates the balance of work and rest that permeates rural life. This charming and informative artwork is a treasured example of Shun'ei's mastery of *ukiyo-e* and is a significant contribution to the understanding of Edo period Japanese life.