The banks of Sumida river in snow 1790

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print titled "The banks of Sumida river in snow." During Utamaro's time, Japanese woodblock prints gained popularity among the merchant class, reflecting their lifestyles and tastes. This print depicts a serene winter scene on the Sumida River, a vital waterway in Edo-period Japan. The figures in the boat, likely commoners, navigate the cold waters, their presence a testament to the everyday lives of ordinary people. Utamaro, known for his portraits of women, here shifts focus to the broader landscape and the lives of working people. The print captures a moment of quiet perseverance amidst the harshness of winter. There's a stillness in the scene, yet also a sense of movement and journey. Utamaro's decision to portray this scene, rather than the more typical images of courtesans, highlights the diversity of subjects in ukiyo-e art and gives us a glimpse into the working lives of the lower classes.