Young Woman Painting a Screen 1756 - 1829

Chōbunsai Eishi created "Young Woman Painting a Screen" using ink on paper. The print provides a glimpse into the world of women in late 18th-century Japan, a period marked by rigid social hierarchies. Eishi, himself from a samurai family, often depicted women of the pleasure quarters, known for their artistic accomplishments and fashion sense. Here, we see a woman engaged in a creative pursuit, painting a screen, a task traditionally associated with the literati. What does it mean that she takes up this mantle? Her elegant attire and elaborate hairstyle speak to her status, yet her engagement with the arts challenges the stereotypical portrayals of women of her time. Eishi’s work invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between gender, class, and artistic expression. Through this intimate portrayal, Eishi captures a sense of quiet determination, and subtly celebrates the creative spirit of women navigating a society defined by strict expectations.