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
Rights status: CC0 / Cleveland Museum of Art Open Access
Cleveland Museum of Art
Primary sourceSource & image rights verified for launch
