Hot: the appearance of a wealthy housewife in the Bunsei era, No. 8

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Hot: the appearance of a wealthy housewife in the Bunsei era, No. 8 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Hot: the appearance of a wealthy housewife in the Bunsei era, No. 8

Series; Thirty-Two Aspects of Women
Premium First Edition printing with 3 color cartouche

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.

First Edition Printing - This print comes from the first edition printing of this series, notable for the three color cartouche in the upper corner of each design. Later editions had only one or two colors. First edition prints, especially those in fine condition, are highly sought after by collectors.

Hot: the appearance of a wealthy housewife in the Bunsei era, No. 8 - One of the most unusual and fascinating prints in the series, a beautiful woman is being treated with "moxa" pellets of slow burning material that operate on a principle similar to acupuncture. This is a painful process and can leave scars, but was considered both healing and cleansing. There is an erotic overtone to the design in that her entire back is exposed and her grimace in pain has suggestive overtones. A fantastic and famous Yoshitoshi print with beautiful detail in the rich kimono fabrics and the simulated burl wood grain of the covered hibachi she leans over.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small loss at right edge, repaired, blends well. Slight soiling, faint pink ink offsetting at lower right. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Hot: the appearance of a wealthy housewife in the Bunsei era, No. 8 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Hot: the appearance of a wealthy housewife in the Bunsei era, No. 8 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.