Viewing Cherry Blossoms
Original title: Viewing Cherry Blossoms
kurzbeschreibung
Several people in traditional dress have gathered on a platform to view the cherry blossoms. Kitagawa Utamaro made this image in 1790 as a color woodblock print on paper, measuring 22.5 × 35.6 cm.
Description
A group sits scattered to the left and right, while behind them an open building reveals a view of a cityscape. Blues, reds, and grays dominate the palette; pale cherry blossoms provide accents. Bold lines and large areas of flat color structure the image. The figures wear traditional robes, which emphasizes the historical setting.
Context
In 1790, during the Edo period, cherry-blossom viewing (hanami) was a popular social event in Japan. Utamaro was known for depictions of women and scenes of everyday life, often focusing on elegant clothing and gesture. Woodblock prints were produced in series at the time and circulated widely.
Impact
The calm, balanced arrangement and muted colors create a quiet, contemplative mood. The shared act of viewing the blossoms feels harmonious and hints at impermanence, as is typical of Japanese aesthetics.
Technique
Water-based colors were used on paper for printing; each color required its own block, which had to be cut separately. This produced clear contours and flat colors. At 22.5 × 35.6 cm, the sheet corresponds to the ōban format common for single-sheet prints.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)