Kawabiraki 1795 - 1815

This woodblock print, “Kawabiraki,” by Utagawa Toyoharu depicts a bustling scene of boats and people along a river. It showcases a vibrant scene of everyday life in Edo, with multiple boats and the buildings of a city along the river in the background, hinting at the importance of water transportation in Edo period Japan. Toyoharu, known for his innovative use of color and perspective in his woodblock prints, was a prominent figure in the development of ukiyo-e, the genre of Japanese woodblock prints, and his “Kawabiraki” provides a glimpse into the bustling cityscape of Edo.