Images of Bathers (Bathing People) 

"Images of Bathers (Bathing People)" is a woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, created sometime before his death in 1849. Hokusai lived during the Edo period, a time of relative peace and prosperity in Japan that also saw strict social hierarchies and isolationist policies. In this print, Hokusai departs from traditional representations of idealized beauty, instead, he embraces the everyday lives of ordinary people. The figures are rendered with a humorous and energetic touch, capturing the simple joy of bathing. It's worth noting that public bathing was a common social activity in Japan. The figures, mostly men, are depicted in various states of undress and playfulness. Hokusai blurs class distinctions by portraying people from different walks of life together in a shared space. In doing so he offers a glimpse into a more egalitarian vision of society. "Images of Bathers" invites us to reflect on the diverse experiences of individuals within a community, challenging us to embrace our shared humanity.