View of Suma Beach in Settu Province c. 1830 - 1844

Utagawa Sadamasu II created this woodblock print, titled "View of Suma Beach in Settu Province," which presents a snapshot of 19th-century Japanese coastal life. The print reflects the Edo period's interest in landscape and genre scenes, capturing a moment of daily life for commoners, primarily women. In the foreground, women are shown working on the beach; the artist draws attention to their labor and presence within the landscape. Consider how gender and class are woven into the scene. The women’s colorful kimonos contrast with the rough work they are performing, creating a complex narrative about identity and the intersection of beauty and hardship. The vastness of the sea, rendered with stylized waves, is also significant as it speaks to Japan’s relationship with the natural world. This artwork offers not just a visual record but an emotional connection to the past, allowing us to reflect on the lives of the people depicted and how they navigated their world.