Young Man Strolling near the Sea

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with *Young Man Strolling near the*, a captivating woodblock print by Is Koryūsai (active 1760s–1780s). Created during the flourishing ukiyo-e movement—"pictures of the floating world"—this artwork captures the fleeting pleasures of urban life in 18th-century Tokyo (then Edo). Koryūsai, renowned for his elegant depictions of courtesans, actors, and everyday scenes, here portrays a poised young man amid a seaside stroll, evoking the era's fascination with leisure, nature, and masculine poise. The print's striking vertical format (hashira-e, or "pillar print"), measuring 27¾ inches tall by just 4⅝ inches wide, was designed for narrow architectural spaces like pillars or doorposts, allowing it to blend seamlessly into domestic interiors. Crafted using the intricate woodblock technique—where ink and vibrant colors were applied from multiple carved blocks onto paper—this medium revolutionized accessible art, enabling mass production and widespread appreciation among merchants and commoners during the Edo period (1615–1868). A gem from the H. O. Havemeyer Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this piece highlights the global allure of Japanese prints, bridging Eastern artistry with Western collectors in the early 20th century. Gaze upon it to feel the gentle sea breeze and the rhythm of a bygone stroll.

About the Artist

Isoda Koryūsai · 1735–1790

Japanese, 1735–ca. 1790