A Flower Vendor 1737 - 1738

"A Flower Vendor" is a woodblock print created in 1737-38 by the Japanese artist Nishimura Shigenobu (1729-1739). The print, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a woman in elaborate clothing standing beside a trellis of flowers. Shigenobu, known for his portrayal of everyday scenes, highlights the vibrancy of the woman’s attire with contrasting colors of pink, yellow, and black, capturing a snapshot of Edo-period Japanese fashion. This print, a prime example of ukiyo-e, showcases the genre's emphasis on beauty and the fleeting nature of life.