Geïllustreerd boek over Monomigaoka 1850

This is the cover of an illustrated book about Monomigaoka, made by Torii Kiyonaga. Monomigaoka was a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing parties in Edo-period Japan. The image presents a muted blue speckled cover, which is simple to emphasize the vertical title cartouche. The cartouche declares the book's title, suggesting that the contents within are a form of visual tourism. During the Edo period, the rise of a merchant class created a demand for art that depicted daily life and famous places. Woodblock prints and illustrated books like this one catered to that market. Kiyonaga was a leading artist of his time, known for his elegant depictions of women. The book itself becomes an interesting intersection of commerce, art, and leisure. Understanding the context in which art is made helps us appreciate it more fully. To understand the world of Kiyonaga, we would need to research Edo-period society, the history of woodblock printing, and the economics of the art market. This book cover is a window into a world of cherry blossoms, leisure, and a new kind of art consumer.