Continued>
The chonin of Edo-city (headquarters of the Tokugawa shogunate, and present-day Tokyo) developed a high interest in the unique concept of ukiyo (‘the floating world’) and in the complex concept of iki. The ‘floating world’ refers to an idealized reality, with an emphasis on enjoying the passing moment of life, and the transient beauty of things. Iki, which we have already studied, refers to what was considered stylish and chic. Consequently Edo art quite often depicted images with themes of iki and ukiyo.
'Evening Hour' from the 'The Twelve Hours in the Yoshiwara' series. Kikugawa Eizan.
'Suminoto of the Okanaya House'.
Isoda Koryusai.
'Act 1' from a series about drama.
Kitagawa Utamaro.
'Clearing Weather at Asakusa'. Suzuki Harunobu.
'Lover Taking Leave of a Courtesan'. Suzuki Harunobu.
'Pleasure Boat'. Keisai Eisen.
