left and center panels of vertical ōban triptych

Beauties of Kan'ei and Shōhō Era, April 1896

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As Japan rapidly modernized during the Meiji period (1868-1912), people became nostalgic for the past. Catering to this interest, artists created prints that featured subjects from the country's feudal times. In 1896, Kiyochika designed a series featuring women from different eras within the Edo period (1603-1868). For this print, he depicted a beauty with a large chignon and boldly patterned kimono-styles prevalent in the Kan'ei (1624-44) and Shøhø (1644-48) eras. Kiyochika even rendered the details of her physiognomy in a manner reminiscent of those by the 18th century artists. The silhouettes of boats in the distance suggest that this beauty, too, is in a boat and enjoying an evening river cruise, a favorite summer pastime in the Edo period.

Details
Title
Beauties of Kan'ei and Shōhō Era
Artist Life
1847 - 1915
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.78.64.28a,b
Curator Approved

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left and center panels of vertical ōban triptych