Cherry Blossoms in the Wind by Utagawa Toyokuni
Look first

Cherry Blossoms in the Wind

Utagawa Toyokuni · late 1790s

Wind turns a spring outing into a choreography of sleeves, petals, and leaning bodies.

What to notice

Follow the diagonals of the tree and clothing; nearly every form suggests movement even though the figures are fixed in place.

Discover

Toyokuni used the popular flower-viewing theme to show social life, fashion, and motion. The fluttering garments make weather part of the composition.

Source institution: Cleveland Museum of Art
Rights status: CC0 / Cleveland Museum of Art Open Access
Cleveland Museum of Art
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