Refined: the appearance of the court lady during the Kyowa era, No. 5

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Refined: the appearance of the court lady during the Kyowa era, No. 5  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Refined: the appearance of the court lady during the Kyowa era, No. 5

Series; Thirty-Two Aspects of Women (Fuzoku sanjuniso)

Yoshitoshi's Thirty-two Aspects of Women - Yoshitoshi's finest series of bijin-ga or pictures of beautiful women, "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" features portraits of beauties in a lighthearted reference to the thirty-two notable features of Buddha. The women depicted come from all social classes, representing beauties from the late 18th century through Yoshitoshi's own time.

Each design captures a woman in a scene from daily life, realistically and sensitively portrayed as individuals rather than idealized figures. Elegant fabrics are beautifully rendered, and hairstyles and facial features are drawn with the most delicate of lines. The series was beautifully printed using deluxe techniques, such as soft bokashi shading, embossing, and burnishing, creating some of the finest prints of the Meiji era.

"Thirty-two Aspects" proved popular with the public when first published, and has been appreciated by viewers and collectors ever since. Designs in this fantastic series are some of the most highly sought after woodblocks of the Meiji era, and are certainly considered masterworks of Yoshitoshi's career.

Refined: the appearance of the court lady during the Kyowa era, No. 5 - An attendant of the imperial court, this lovely aristocratic woman carries a tasseled fan indicating her high rank. She is dressed in the traditional red and white robes associated with the court since the Heian era, the four layers of the white kimono embossed with a delicate pattern to indicate the weave of the fabric. While Yoshitoshi's beauty is dignified, certain elements suggest an alluring quality. Her bright red lips and shaved eyebrows suggest a woman aware of her beauty and appeal, with a bit of a playful spark. An excellent subject from the series.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants on reverse at top and bottom corners and centers from previous mounting. A few faint creases near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Refined: the appearance of the court lady during the Kyowa era, No. 5  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Refined: the appearance of the court lady during the Kyowa era, No. 5  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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