Beauties of Kan'ei and Shōhō Era by Kobayashi Kiyochika

Beauties of Kan'ei and Shōhō Era 1896

print, ink, color-on-paper

childish illustration

cartoon like

pastel soft colours

print

japan

handmade artwork painting

flat colour

ink

color-on-paper

wedding around the world

watercolour illustration

cartoon style

cartoon carciture

watercolor

"Beauties of Kan'ei and Shōhō Era" is a woodblock print created by Kobayashi Kiyochika in 1896. This vertical ōban diptych, which measures 14 3/16 × 18 7/16 in. (36.1 × 46.8 cm), depicts a woman in traditional Japanese clothing, gazing off into the distance with a wistful expression. The image is characterized by its delicate lines, vibrant colors, and intricate details. Kiyochika's use of the ōban format is significant, as it was a popular choice for ukiyo-e artists during the Edo period. The artwork's title and subject matter suggest a connection to the Kan'ei and Shōhō eras, periods known for their cultural and artistic flourishing in Japan. The print is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where it can be admired by art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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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.