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.

Dark: the appearance of a wife during the Meiji era, No. 27 - The young wife of a government official is shown lighting an oil lamp, having just awakened from a late afternoon nap. The pillow directly below her is rumpled from use, and strands of hair fall at the side of her face. A pipe rests beside the small hibachi next to her. Her robe has fallen loosely off her shoulder, and Yoshitoshi has masterfully drawn the folds in the fabric of her left sleeve. Beautifully detailed with burnishing on the black kimono collar and sleeve trim and the black lacquer frame of the lamp. A beautiful, quiet print from the series, perfect to collect for display.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small hole, repaired. Slight soiling, a few light creases, small light spot. Please see photos for details. Good overall.