Recital on a verandah overlooking Sumida River c. 1790 - 1795

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Toyokuni I’s “Recital on a verandah overlooking Sumida River,” created around 1790 to 1795. It’s a watercolor print, and the long format is interesting! What’s your take on this artwork? Curator: It provides a fascinating glimpse into the social life of the Edo period, doesn't it? We see a gathering of women, likely from the upper classes, enjoying music and leisure activities. Consider the implications of the setting itself. Editor: The verandah, you mean? Overlooking the river. Curator: Precisely. The Sumida River was a vital artery of Edo, now Tokyo, both commercially and culturally. Placing this gathering there highlights a connection to the urban center and its lifeblood. Do you think this print might be commenting on their societal role, as women removed from much of that life yet able to observe? Editor: Hmmm… perhaps! They seem engaged with each other more than with the view. Their clothing seems really important too, though I’m not sure how to interpret that. Curator: Absolutely. The elaborate kimonos and hairstyles reflect their status, but also connect to Ukiyo-e’s commercial context; the print could serve to document and even advertise the latest fashions. Beyond artistic expression, it acts as a record of social trends and hierarchies of the era, something to think about, even today. Editor: I see! So, the artwork becomes more than just a pretty scene; it's part of a broader cultural and economic picture. Thank you for pointing that out. Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully it helps give you food for thought when examining this genre, the society surrounding, and its purpose beyond aesthetic pleasure.