Title : Enjoying the Cool on a Porch

Artist : Kitagawa Utamaro

Date : 1781

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : A family enjoys the evening cool on a mat spread out on the verandah. The young maiden wears a long-sleeved kasuri (splashed pattern) kimono as she reads a letter by the setting sunlight. The mother, wearing a gray shibori (tie-dying) kimono with a dark green sash, has just finished her tub bath, and together with her infant child they watch two swallows flying about in play. As seen in this image, bright colors such as red, pink, orange, and yellow were usually for young girls, while married or older women wore somber colors such as dark blue, brown, and gray. This everyday scene of peaceful household life also projects a sense of season (summer). The poem on the center reads: “Oh, your nightly betrayal! It angers me so / But even then / I would not throw out your bow / lest I never see you again.” by Mantokusai. (from "VOGUE in Japan" Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)

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