Woodblock prints from the Japanese period of Ukiyo-e often portrayed an image of the "floating world", which is seen in Kochoro Kunisada's Beauty with a Letter; Juronin with a Deer. The Buddha is floating above the beauty; this flotation is commonly associated with the Buddhist concept of transitory, illusory quality of life through which one could discover spirituality. The influence of the Buddhist religion upon society is apparent with the inclusion of the Buddha.

               Many Japanese prints of the period included scenes from everyday life such as rituals, festivals involving changes in the seasons, poetry illustrations, and landscapes. By the end of the Edo period, the Japanese government had to approve prints that were made and many objects were censored.

                Kunisada portrayed an interesting scene in this print by incorporating a dog. The beauty is seen sitting in a relaxed pose while reading a letter, yet she is interrupted by this dog and his playfulness. Even with this interruption of her letter reading, the Buddha is shown in the beauty's mind emphasizing the importance of the religion.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

• Kochoro Kunisada (1786-1864)
• The Signatures and Seals of Kochoro Kunisada
• Ukiyo-e

Prints