Komachi washing Soshi 1853

This woodblock print, *Komachi Washing Soshi*, was created by Utagawa Kunisada in 1853. The work depicts a woman, possibly the famed poet Ono no Komachi, washing her hands in a basin. The background shows a bustling cityscape with a temple and a torii gate. This print is representative of the *ukiyo-e* genre, which flourished in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868) and often depicted scenes of everyday life. Kunisada's use of bold lines and vibrant colors brings a sense of realism and beauty to the scene.