1796
ink
paper
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
歌川豊国画 雪こかし|Courtesans and Attendants Making a Giant Snowball is a 1796 ink by Utagawa Toyokuni I, a Romanticism work, depicting Winter, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This print shows five women in long robes and hats, playing in the snow. Two hold umbrellas, one carries a basket, and a child bends to pick up snow. The background is a light, fluffy snowstorm with faint mountains in the distance. Their clothes are bright pink, black, and green, with lots of patterns and flowers. The women are dressed like courtesans—entertainers from old Japan—having fun instead of working. The artist used bold colors and simple shapes to make the scene lively. Look up Utagawa Toyokuni I next to see more of his playful prints.
Toyokuni was a born showman who made sure the energy of Edo’s kabuki stage never faded on paper.
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