Flower Viewing

Lining a road covered by cherry blossoms in full bloom, the lanterns and noren entrance curtains at the front of tea shops are swaying. To take in the flowering cherries, strollers are coming and going. While the spring weather is pleasant, it's also the time when the sun's rays are getting stronger and women fear for their complexions. So, in the foreground, under parasols, we see a pair of women chatting and moving away from us . In front of them, his son on his shoulders, a father walks hand in hand with his daughter, who holds an unopened parasol. Coming towards us, both with large eyes that show a family resemblance , are a woman under a parasol and a girl. None of the parasols in the painting are traditional Japanese umbrellas. These Western style items became popular after the turn of the twentieth century, around the time that this work was produced. Along with cherry blossoms in their prime, stylish clothes and height-of-fashion parasols seem to enhance the ladies’ feelings of well-being.