Enjoying the Cool of Evening on the Riverbed at Shijō c. 1834

Utagawa Hiroshige's "Enjoying the Cool of Evening on the Riverbed at Shijō" invites us into a world shaped by 19th-century Japanese culture and aesthetics. Hiroshige was a master of *ukiyo-e*, a genre that flourished during the Edo period. This print captures a summer evening scene, where people gather on platforms over the Shijō river. The *ukiyo-e* tradition often depicted the fleeting, pleasurable aspects of urban life, but it also served as a mirror reflecting the strict social hierarchies of the time. The print presents a scene of leisure, yet the composition subtly reminds us of the social structure of the era: The figures are arranged to highlight their roles, and the presence of geishas indicates class and cultural sophistication. In his series *One Hundred Famous Views of Edo*, Hiroshige wanted to give the viewer "a feeling for the city" and to preserve his own memories. This piece is an attempt to capture the feeling of a specific time and place. This serene image evokes a deep longing for connection and community, all while subtly revealing the complex interplay of identity, class, and cultural practices in 19th century Japan.