Fashionable reflections in a mirror 1860 - 1862

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print, Fashionable Reflections in a Mirror, now in the Rijksmuseum. The dominant feature is the oval mirror frame, within which we see a figure gazing downwards. Notice the intricate patterns of the frame itself: a blend of geometric shapes and floral motifs. The artist plays with asymmetry by contrasting the elaborate design of the frame with the muted tones of the figure's clothing and the soft blue background. Kunisada, working in the Ukiyo-e tradition, skillfully uses line and color to create a sense of depth, despite the flatness inherent in the medium. The mirror acts as a structural device to engage with the idea of representation and perception. What does it mean to see oneself, or to be seen? This work challenges fixed meanings, inviting us to reflect on the nature of identity.