“Flowers of Edo (Right),” created circa 1860 by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, is a woodblock print from the Ukiyo-e art movement. This genre painting measures 37.7 x 26.1 cm and is housed at the British Museum in London, UK.
The artwork depicts a traditional Japanese scene filled with intricate details and vibrant colors. In the foreground, a central female figure, adorned in luxurious garments in rich blue and orange hues, exhibits elaborate hair ornaments symbolizing her high status. She is surrounded by other figures, including children and attendants, captured in mid-motion, lending the scene a dynamic quality. The architectural background, featuring sliding shoji screens and wooden structures, situates the figures in an indoor setting likely indicative of a noble or genteel environment. The meticulous depiction of textiles, the flow of garments, and the expressions of the figures exemplify Kuniyoshi’s mastery in conveying both elegance and narrative through his woodblock prints.
