Wives of Merchants c. 19th century

hanging-scroll, ink, color-on-paper

green and blue tone

caricature

teenage art

japan

hanging-scroll

ink

color-on-paper

neo expressionist

acrylic on canvas

spray can art

muted green

watercolour illustration

green and neutral

green and blue

Yamaguchi Soken’s “Wives of Merchants” is a depiction of three women dressed in elaborate kimonos. The women are standing and seated in a variety of poses. The painting is in the style of the Edo Period, with a minimalist background and delicate brushstrokes, emphasizing the rich colors and textures of the women’s garments. The work offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy women in 19th century Japan, highlighting their status and elegance. It is currently on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In the Edo period, the material and design of kimono were strictly regulated by the government along class lines, such that class and occupation were identifiable by costumes and hairstyles. Here (from left to right) are ladies of the warrior class, wives of merchants, young maidens, working girls, and women in the demimonde. Soken’s extraordinary brush control and use of pigments can be seen in the delicate hairlines and the texture of complexions and make-up. The son of a kimono merchant, he depicted magnificent kimono with delicate folds suggesting the body under the fabric.