Moronobu is considered to be the first artist of the Ukiyo-e school. He mastered the techniques used by the shogun’s official painters, the artists of the Kano school, to depict historical scenes or illustrations of classical literature; but he chose to show present-day urban fashions instead. In paintings, book illustrations, and single-sheet prints, he celebrated activities such as flower-viewing picnics in Ueno Park, still a popular spot for enjoying spring in the city.

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