Seikatsuden

Seikatsuden (生活図, "Picture of Daily Life") is a Japanese term that refers to a genre of art and literature focused on depicting the mundane aspects of everyday life. Originating in the Edo period (1603–1868), this genre gained prominence as a way to capture the simplicity and beauty of common experiences, often contrasting with the more elaborate themes found in traditional Japanese art.

The term encompasses various forms of media, including ukiyo-e woodblock prints, paintings, and literary works. Artists and writers in this tradition sought to portray the lives of ordinary people—merchants, artisans, farmers, and laborers—rather than the elite or mythological figures typically featured in earlier works. This shift reflected broader social changes, including urbanization and the growing middle class in Edo-period Japan.

Notable figures associated with Seikatsuden include artists like Utagawa Hiroshige and Ando Hiroshige, who created detailed prints illustrating seasonal activities, festivals, and rural landscapes. Literary examples include the works of writers like Santō Kyōden, who explored the humor and pathos of everyday existence through stories and sketches.

Seikatsuden emphasized realism and observation, often using humor or irony to highlight the human condition. The genre also influenced later movements, such as the Meiji-era (1868–1912) interest in documenting modern life and the development of modern Japanese literature. Today, Seikatsuden is recognized as an important precursor to contemporary realism in Japanese culture, offering insights into the social and aesthetic values of its time.