Feminine Pleasures of the Four Seasons

(Shiki no kokoro onna asobi, 四季心女遊)

Publisher: Arita-ya Seiemon

1842-1846

 

These triptychs each consist of three chûban sized sheets (about 10 by 7 inches or 25 by 18 centimeters).  The series is not listed in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961).  The prints bear the seal of the censor Watanabe Shôemon.

 

Kuniyoshi - (chûban) Feminine Pleasures of the Four Seasons (Shiki no kokoro onna asobi), Spring, picking bullrush

Title: Spring

Description: Picking on the shore with bulrushes

Kuniyoshi - (chûban) Feminine Pleasures of the Four Seasons (Shiki no kokoro onna asobi), Spring, picking bullrush (Alt

Another state of the above triptych

Kuniyoshi - (chûban) Feminine Pleasures of the Four Seasons (Shiki no kokoro onna asobi), Summer (Natsu) at the Summida River, pub

Title: Natsu (夏) Summer

Description: Summer at the Summida River with fireworks

Kuniyoshi - (chûban) Feminine Pleasures of the Four Seasons (Shiki no kokoro onna asobi), Autumn, beauties in boats

Title: Autumn (秋)

Description: Two boats carry three beauties and a boy enjoying the evening cool on the Sumida river

Kuniyoshi - (chûban) Feminine Pleasures of the Four Seasons (Shiki no kokoro onna asobi), Fuyu (Winter), 1844-47

Title: Fuyu (冬) Winter

Description: Women, children and dogs playing in the snow

I am grateful to Robert Pryor for this alternative state.

 

“Robinson” indicates listing in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson, 1961, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

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