Beauty and Shamisen 1840

This woodblock print, "Beauty and Shamisen" by Keisai Eisen, depicts a young woman playing a shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed musical instrument. The woman, dressed in elaborate robes, sits in a relaxed pose with a serene expression. The print's vivid colors and fine detail showcase the artistry of the ukiyo-e genre, which flourished in Edo period Japan and often featured scenes of everyday life and popular entertainment. The butterflies in the background add a sense of tranquility to the image, reflecting the calming nature of the shamisen music. The intricate patterns on the woman's robe and the shamisen itself speak to the craftsmanship of the Edo period.