Evening Snow at Asakusa, from the series Eight Views of Famous Places in Edo

The classical Chinese model of “eight views” was widely parodied by print designers during the Edo period. Traditionally associated with scenic beauty, later designs also depicted the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters and beautiful women. Evening Snow at Asakusa alludes to Evening Snow at Mt. Hira from the eight views of Omi. Hiroshige depicts three beauties holding umbrellas on a snowy night. The left two figures with their indigo-dyed, padded kimono have scarves covering their heads and tabi socks on their feet. The subdued costume distinguishes them from the more ostentatiously dressed courtesan on the right with bare feet. The two women are most likely wives of wealthy merchants. The background landscape includes the main hall and five-storied pagoda of Asakusa temple and the Azuma Bridge spanning the Sumida River.