June

Catalog note / 解説

Depicted in the upper left corner is the distant view of the teahouses found along the approach to Ryögoku Bridge. A number of roofed and open boats (used to enjoy the cool breezes) float upon the Sumida River. A teahouse maiden holds a round fan emblazoned with the crest of the actor Segawa Kikunojö II, then at the peak of his popularity. The scene suggests a typical excursion to escape the hot and humid Edo (modern day Tokyo) summertime. The poem also recalls the cooling wind on the river. The poem accompanying the print reads: The wind blows Cooling the riverside I too should leave With the rebounding waves Ah, but it is so very pleasant! (from Summer Evenings: Harunobu exhibition 5/30/0…