Title : June

Artist : Suzuki Harunobu

Date : 1768 c.

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Depicted in the upper left corner is the distant view of the teahouses found along the approach to Ryögoku Bridge. A number of roofed and open boats (used to enjoy the cool breezes) float upon the Sumida River. A teahouse maiden holds a round fan emblazoned with the crest of the actor Segawa Kikunojö II, then at the peak of his popularity. The scene suggests a typical excursion to escape the hot and humid Edo (modern day Tokyo) summertime. The poem also recalls the cooling wind on the river. The poem accompanying the print reads: The wind blows Cooling the riverside I too should leave With the rebounding waves Ah, but it is so very pleasant! (from Summer Evenings: Harunobu exhibition 5/30/06-) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This print shows a distant view of the teahouses found along the approach to Ryögoku Bridge, depicted in the upper left corner. A number of roofed and open boats (used to enjoy the cool breezes) float upon the Sumida River. A teahouse maiden holds a round fan that is emblazoned with the crest of the actor Segawa Kikunojö II, then at the peak of his popularity. The girl and a young samurai with a sword both wear gray striped kimono and red inner kimono. This color combination of black and red must have been very popular, as seen in another print by Harunobu also exhibited in this gallery. The poem on the top portion of the print reads: Fukukaze wa Kawabe suzushiku Yoru nami no Tachikaeru beki Kokochi kosose ne The wind blows Cooling the riverside I too should leave With the rebounding waves Ah, but it is so very pleasant! (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)

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