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「美南見十二候」　五月 |The Fifth Month, from the series Twelve Months in the Southern Pleasure District (Minami jūni kō)

Torii Kiyonaga

1784

ink

paper

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

「美南見十二候」　五月 |The Fifth Month, from the series Twelve Months in the Southern Pleasure District (Minami jūni kō) is a 1784 ink by Torii Kiyonaga, a Romanticism work, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Torii Kiyonaga
When & what style?: 1784 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows three women in bright, patterned robes walking outdoors. One holds a black umbrella, another carries a basket of fruit, and the third fans herself with a hand fan. Their clothes have bold colors—black, pink, and green—with swirling designs. The background is simple, focusing on the women’s elegant poses. The artist used clean lines and flat colors, a style that feels fresh and lively. This print is part of a series about monthly scenes in a pleasure district. Next, check out Torii Kiyonaga to see more of his work.