Uitje langs de Sumida 1810 - 1820

This woodblock print titled 'A Trip along the Sumida River' was created by Utagawa Kuniyasu. The delicate rendering of the women's kimonos reveals symbols of nature—flowers, vines and geometric patterns —each carrying layers of meaning related to the seasons, social status, and personal identity. Consider the fan held by the woman on the left, it's not merely an accessory, but a potent symbol of social grace and leisure, a concept which can also be seen in classical Greek art. Similarly, the flowing lines of the Sumida River in the backdrop echo the symbolic rivers found in ancient mythologies, such as the River Styx, each serving as a boundary and passage. Here, in Kuniyasu's print, the river evokes a subtle reminder of transition and the ephemeral nature of life. These visual motifs resonate with a sense of collective memory, subconsciously engaging viewers with themes of beauty and transience, which echoes across centuries and cultures.