Landscape; Showing Water Festival with Lanterns 1739 - 1820

Kitao Shigemasa produced this woodblock print, Landscape; Showing Water Festival with Lanterns, in Japan sometime in the late 18th century. This colourful image depicts a bustling festival scene, offering insights into the social and cultural life of the Edo period. Looking closely, we see crowds gathering along the riverbank and on boats, all illuminated by festive lanterns. The print uses visual codes such as the bridge and the lanterns to evoke a sense of community and celebration. The popularity of woodblock prints during this era reflects the rise of a merchant class and a growing interest in urban entertainment. These prints were often commissioned, bought, and sold in teahouses and other commercial institutions. Understanding this artwork requires delving into the economic structures that supported artistic production and the social contexts that shaped its reception. We can consult historical records, popular literature, and other visual materials to better appreciate the role of art in Edo society. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art is not created in a vacuum but is deeply intertwined with the social and institutional forces of its time.