The Album The Images of Fugen 1790

This album cover from 1790, designed by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro, features an intricate pattern of delicate flowers, stylized creatures, and swirling clouds. The cover is a testament to Utamaro's mastery of ukiyo-e, the popular style of woodblock printing that emerged in the Edo period and captured the beauty and fleeting nature of everyday life. The album's title, "The Images of Fugen," suggests its contents may be related to the Buddhist deity Fugen, known for his wisdom and compassion. The cover's rich colors and intricate detail make it a visually stunning example of Utamaro's artistic talent, and its presence in the Rijksmuseum collection demonstrates its enduring significance.