Hōsai Go-Sekku Asobi – Chōyō no Sekku: Kunisada's Chrysanthemum Festival Beauty

豊歳五節句遂 — 重陽の節句

Hōsai Go-Sekku Asobi – Chōyō no Sekku

Kōchōrō Kunisada (later Utagawa Toyokuni III) | Edo period

In this exquisite bijin-ga, Kōchōrō Kunisada captures a tender autumn moment: an elegantly dressed woman and a young girl admiring chrysanthemums in full bloom, rendered with Kunisada's characteristic warmth and precision. 🌼

Chōyō no Sekku: The Chrysanthemum Festival

The Chōyō no Sekku, observed on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, is one of Japan's five ancient seasonal festivals. The double-nine date was celebrated with chrysanthemum viewing, kiku-zake (菊酒, chrysanthemum sake), and prayers for longevity and good health. ⛩️

Among Edo's townspeople, the festival was an occasion for flower competitions, garden visits, and quiet domestic pleasures like the one depicted here. 🌸

The Series: Hōsai Go-Sekku Asobi

Hōsai Go-Sekku Asobi is a complete set of five prints, each depicting one of Japan's traditional annual festivals — a rich portrait of the seasonal rhythms of Edo life. The title Hōsai (豊歳, a year of abundant harvest) reflects the series' celebratory spirit. 🌕

About Kunisada

The most commercially successful Ukiyo-e artist of his era, Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865) was celebrated for his accomplished bijin-ga and actor prints, later taking the prestigious name Toyokuni III.

Experience Ukiyo-e at Atelier UKIYO

At Atelier UKIYO, we celebrate the timeless beauty of Japanese woodblock prints — bringing the art and seasonal culture of the Edo period into contemporary life. Explore our collection and discover the seasons of Edo. 🪭🎴