Geisha Walking through the Snow at Night — Kitagawa Utamaro, ca. 1797

A geisha walks through a snowstorm at night, sheltered by an umbrella, accompanied by an attendant carrying a lantern and a shamisen case. Utamaro captures a dreamlike moment — snow falling thick and fast, yet leaving no trace on the ground.

Kitagawa Utamaro (ca. 1754–1806) was one of the great masters of ukiyo-e, celebrated for his elegant and vivid portrayals of women. This woodblock print dates to ca. 1797, during Japan's Edo period.