New Yoshiwara (Shin Yoshiwara), from the series Famous Places in the Eastern Capital
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797–1861)
early 1830s
Medium
color woodblock print
Dimensions
24.5 × 36.9 cm
Classification
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore
Accession Number
1930.202
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
male
About this artwork
In this dramatic night scene, Kuniyoshi emphasized the moon and its huge glowing halo. He employed Western-style shadows beneath the figures and the palanquin. The man at the center is singing with his mouth wide open. Perhaps he is headed home after drinking in New Yoshiwara, the pleasure quarter, visible only as a series of low rooflines in the background beyond the rice paddies. The chatting pair and wealthy passenger inside the palanquin may be on their way to the pleasure quarter.