Amused: the appearance of a high ranking maid of the Bunsei era, No. 9

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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Amused: the appearance of a high ranking maid of the Bunsei era, No. 9  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Amused: the appearance of a high ranking maid of the Bunsei era, No. 9

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.

Amused: the appearance of a high ranking maid of the Bunsei era, No. 9 - Lovely image of a beautiful young lady serving as a lady-in-waiting in an upper class position. Of noble birth herself, she likely serves in a daimyo's mansion or the inner quarters of the shogun's palace. Being in the inner circle of the castle, she would hear much gossip, and she appears to be amused by something she has heard or seen as she looks over the edge of an expensive red lacquered railing. Her beautifully detailed hair is elegantly yet simply styled, and she wears fashionable red lipstick. The mon or crest on her sleeve belongs to her family or the family she serves. A terrific print of a confident young woman, enhanced with embossing on the white kimono collar.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning, small crease at left corners. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Amused: the appearance of a high ranking maid of the Bunsei era, No. 9  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Amused: the appearance of a high ranking maid of the Bunsei era, No. 9  by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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