Notable Young Women of the Present Day

Ukiyo-e depicts many women drinking alcohol. In the 19th century Edo, porcelain from Seto became readily available, and sake bottles and sake cups were used instead of iron choshi and lacquerware cups. In front of the woman on the right, a hot sake vessel placed in a container called a hakama is drawn. In front of the woman in the center is a bowl for washing sake cups. Around that time, it was also popular to float sake cups in these bowls. Sashimi is served on the platter. The candle in the middle and a blur of ink at the top suggest they are enjoying the cherry blossoms at night.

Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni
Published: End of Edo Period (mid 1800s)

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