The Hour of the Dragon

"The Hour of the Dragon" is part of Seirō Jūnitoki Tsuzuki, a series of twelve ukiyo-e prints by Utamaro, created around 1794. Each print vividly captures scenes of courtesans in the Yoshiwara pleasure district, depicting the changing atmosphere and activities corresponding to each hour of the traditional Japanese twelve-hour clock. These works exemplify genre painting, highlighting everyday life and entertainment in Edo-period Japan. Utamaro's masterful use of color and composition offers an intimate glimpse into the courtesans’ world, blending elements of ukiyo-e with a poetic narrative of time and leisure.