Artwork

Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama

Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama, by Katsukawa Shunchō, 1784
Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama, by Katsukawa Shunchō, 1784

Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunchō. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama, a print by Katsukawa Shunchō from circa 1784, depicts a serene scene of women admiring blossoms, characterized by meticulous use of color and texture, now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a moment of contemplation as a group of women, dressed in traditional attire, gaze upwards at a blooming tree, conveying the timeless appeal of hanami (cherry blossom viewing), a cherished Japanese custom.

Technique & Style

Shunchō employed a nuanced palette, juxtaposing various shades of pink and green to achieve depth, while intricate patterns and textures on the women's clothing showcase the artist's attention to detail and mastery of ukiyo-e techniques.

History & Provenance

Created around 1784, the work is attributed to Katsukawa Shunchō, a prominent figure in the ukiyo-e movement, and is currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

This piece reflects late 18th-century Japanese aesthetics, blending natural beauty with the elegance of everyday life, typical of ukiyo-e's focus on capturing contemporary leisure activities and seasonal themes.

Legacy

As part of Shunchō's oeuvre, Women Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama contributes to the enduring popularity of ukiyo-e prints globally, influencing perceptions of Japanese culture and the tradition of hanami.

Artist & collection

Artist

Katsukawa Shunchō

Katsukawa Shunchō lived in Edo (now Tokyo) during the late 1700s, a time when floating-world prints—colorful scenes of theater, courtesans, and everyday life—were all the rage.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.