Artwork

南四季夏景|The Four Seasons in Southern Edo: A Summer Scene (Minami shiki; Natsu [no] kei)

南四季夏景|The Four Seasons in Southern Edo: A Summer Scene (Minami shiki; Natsu [no] kei) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Four Seasons in Southern Edo: A Summer Scene is a woodblock print created by Utagawa Toyokuni I around 1784. It is part of a triptych and is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene waterfront scene with women in traditional robes and straw hats. The two scenes show women engaged in everyday activities, accompanied by children and lanterns, set against a backdrop of ships and buildings.

Technique & Style

The print features delicate brushstrokes detailing the women's robes and a palette of soft colors, including pinks and greens. The overall effect is one of calmness, evoking a quiet day by the water.