Summer: Planting Rice (Natsu: taue no zu), No. 2 from the series "The Four Seasons of Farmers (Shiki no hyakusho)" c. 1730s

"Summer: Planting Rice (Natsu: taue no zu)" is a woodblock print from the "Four Seasons of Farmers (Shiki no hyakusho)" series created by the renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyomasu II in the 1730s. The print, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts the labor-intensive process of rice planting, a vital activity for the sustenance of the Japanese people. The scene is characterized by a vibrant depiction of farmers diligently working in the rice paddies, showcasing the artist's ability to capture the essence of daily life in Edo-period Japan. The use of bold colors and meticulous detail conveys the beauty and importance of this traditional agricultural practice.