Print 1786 - 1854

This ukiyo-e woodblock print was created by Utagawa Kunisada in Japan. In it, we see three women beneath a large umbrella, surrounded by verdant foliage and a distant pagoda-like structure. The umbrella, aside from being a practical item, is a symbol of status and protection, much like its use in ancient Greece during religious festivals or its association with royalty in various cultures. Here, it shields the women, perhaps suggesting a sheltered existence. The pagoda in the background links the scene to Buddhist traditions, a symbol of peace and transcendence. Consider the recurring motif of the parasol throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian depictions of royalty to Renaissance paintings symbolizing divine protection, forever transformed. These symbols recur and evolve, carrying echoes of past meanings into new contexts, engaging our collective memory.