“We live only for the moment, in which we admire the splendor of the moonlight, the snow, the cherry blossom and the colors of the maple-leaves. We enjoy the day, warmed by wine, without allowing the poverty which stares us in the face to restore our sobriety. In this drifting- like a pumpkin carried along by the current of a river- we do not allow ourselves to be discouraged for a moment. This is what is called the floating, fleeting world.” ( Fahr-Becker 23).
This quote is from a book written in 1661, here it is used to describe the essence of the art form of Ukiyo-e, which is also referred to as pictures from the floating world. One reason these are called pictures of the floating world is because of the momentary pleasure associated with the pictures. People could not change their social status and living conditions in Japan, the only escape they had were the pleasure districts and the Kabuki theater. There they could watch plays or spend time with beautiful women. (MIA)......
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Approximate Word Count: 852
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |