Cooling Off at Ryogoku in Edo 1615 - 1868

Curator: Before us is "Cooling Off at Ryogoku in Edo," a vibrant woodblock print made sometime between 1615 and 1868 by Kikugawa Eizan. Editor: The scene is bustling. Just looking at the boats clustered under that immense bridge makes me feel a little claustrophobic. Yet, the delicate watercolors create such a lively, joyful atmosphere. Curator: Eizan, deeply rooted in the ukiyo-e tradition, masterfully uses watercolours to illustrate leisure time. Genre painting like this served as cultural commentary in a way; reflecting the lives, fashion, and societal norms of the Edo period. Do you notice how all of the female figures have black painted teeth? Editor: Yes, this practice was called ohaguro, and the image certainly historicizes societal standards of beauty. The presence of women taking up so much space enjoying this summertime outing undercuts the idea of female subservience that the dominant culture often encouraged. Curator: This work really shows the iconographic significance of leisure. Beyond its entertainment value, the bridge symbolizes connection—literally bridging the earthly and spiritual realms, maybe even a crossing into the afterlife. It's reminiscent of mandalas and cosmograms. It gives meaning to this genre painting far beyond mere aesthetic enjoyment. Editor: Absolutely, these women aren't simply floating on a river; they are navigating social currents, making their presence known within the fabric of their time. They actively reject conventional limitations and engage in pleasure. Curator: The small print size also served to promote the rise of a merchant class as they could purchase items to reflect cultural events such as leisure activities. Editor: It's interesting to contemplate how a print like this, seemingly depicting a carefree scene, actually serves as a powerful testament to female presence, resilience, and, to some extent, agency, amid restrictive circumstances. Curator: The beauty in these symbols can shift depending on the time period it's viewed in. Thank you for opening my mind to that. Editor: Thank you for inviting me on this journey with the image!