Famous Places at the Eastern Capital: Evening at Ryogoku, 1856 | Japanese Woodblock Print

Woodblock triptych print of the Sumida River crowded with pleasure boats as residents of Edo enjoy a summertime fireworks festival. In the center, a large boat is filled with beauties entertaining guests with music, with men clambering atop the roof, the edges of the cabin strung with colorful red lanterns. A vendor's small boat at left is piled full of melons, a refreshing snack sold as she maneuvers alongside the boats. The arched bridge is packed with viewers, and shells explode in bursts of red sparks in the distance, the view framed by the large wooden pilings of the bridge. A fantastic depiction of this favorite summer activity, with lively detail and fine shading in the sky. A great Edo era subject. The woodblock print was made by Utagawa Kunisato- d. 1858. Ink on paper 19th Century (1856) 29" x 14.5" (width, height)