Kijkend naar de volle maan vanaf een balkon 1804

Kitagawa Utamaro’s woodblock print depicts a group of figures enjoying the full moon from a balcony. Made in Japan during the Edo period, this print offers a glimpse into the leisure activities of the urban population and the cultural significance of moon-viewing. During this period, Japan experienced economic growth and urbanization, which led to the rise of a merchant class and the development of a vibrant urban culture. This print reflects this shift, depicting a scene of entertainment and social interaction in a prosperous setting. Utamaro was a leading artist of the Ukiyo-e style, which focused on capturing the fleeting pleasures of everyday life. His prints often featured beautiful women, actors, and scenes from popular entertainment districts. To understand the social dynamics of this print, we can look to historical documents, literature, and other artworks from the Edo period. These resources can shed light on the cultural values, social customs, and artistic conventions that shaped Utamaro's work.