The Harugoma Dance c. 1764

This is The Harugoma Dance, a woodblock print by Torii Kiyomitsu. It presents the Spring Horse Dance, a traditional folk performance in Japan. Made in the mid-18th century, this print offers a fascinating window into the intersection of art, entertainment, and social class. Kiyomitsu's work reflects the vibrant culture of the Edo period when Japan experienced significant economic growth and the rise of a merchant class. This print and others like it, catered to the tastes of this new audience, depicting scenes of everyday life and popular entertainment. Kiyomitsu worked within a family of printmakers, whose studio was the first to specialize in images of Kabuki actors. Analyzing this print, a historian would consider the role of the artist as a cultural producer whose work was shaped by the social conditions of their time, and who also in turn shaped the tastes and preferences of their audience. Studying records of theatrical performances, costume designs, and audience demographics can all help to illuminate the complex relationship between art and society in 18th-century Japan.