The Mad Woman of Yawata (Yawata no kyōjo) from kuchie (frontispiece) of a novel 1895 - 1915

Mizuno Toshikata made this woodblock print, “The Mad Woman of Yawata,” for the frontispiece of a novel. Can you imagine the carving and layering needed to make this image? I’m really drawn to her hands. They’re clasped together, maybe in prayer or reflection. Toshikata’s use of line is so economical, and the pattern on her kimono shimmers like light on water. It's like he’s not just depicting her but also hinting at her inner state. You know, like, what was she thinking about at that moment? The tree she leans on seems to echo her posture. Maybe Toshikata was thinking about other artists like Hokusai. They were all grappling with how to capture the essence of a fleeting moment. It’s like the artist is also conversing with other artists across time, all trying to make sense of life through images. I love that!