Though the most famous of ukiyo-e prints and paintings often feature women, actors and scenery, children were also a common subject. In fact, in Japan, images of children, usually depicted in everyday activities, were some of the top-sellers of the 17th to 19th centuries.

Such portraits of children, who are often depicted with their mothers, now provide glimpses of Edo Period (1603-1867) domestic life, particularly that of townsmen, merchants and artisans, at whom the images were aimed; July 8-Aug. 31.

Chiba City Museum of Art; 3-10-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba. Chiba Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.) ¥800. Closed on every first Mon. 043-221-2311; www.ccma-net.jp