Apricot-Blossom Street

Mortimer Menpes

1901

Watercolor

Source: Japan, A Record in Colour, facing p. 18

Ordinary street scenes appealed to Menpes, and the attractive name of this one (probably referring to plum blossom, which is much loved because of its early announcement of spring) would have added to his pleasure. Red lanterns like these commonly hang in front of a nomiya or traditional eatery/drinking place. — Jacqueline Banerjee

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