A Picnic Party at Hagidera 1780 - 1795

Katsukawa Shunchō made this diptych woodblock print of a picnic party at Hagidera in the late 18th century. It shows a group of women enjoying an outdoor gathering, a popular subject in ukiyo-e prints. These images reflect the leisure activities of the merchant class during the Edo period in Japan. The print creates meaning through its depiction of idealized beauty and fashionable clothing. The women’s elaborate kimonos and hairstyles were carefully crafted to appeal to the tastes of urban consumers. This imagery reflects the cultural values of the time, where women were often portrayed as objects of beauty and entertainment. Ukiyo-e prints were often produced and consumed within a complex network of artists, publishers, and patrons. Studying these networks and material culture can provide insights into the social and economic forces shaping artistic production during the Edo period. By examining historical documents and visual culture, historians can uncover hidden meanings and challenge conventional interpretations of these works.