Standing Figure of a Woman c. 1715

This woodblock print, titled "Standing Figure of a Woman," was created by Torii Kiyomasu I. The composition hinges on a stark interplay of black and white, where the woman's elegant garments come alive through dynamic patterns. Notice the large bird motifs on her robe; their graphic quality lends a stylized yet powerful presence to the figure. The artist masterfully uses line to define form, abstracting the figure into essential shapes, and thus encouraging us to decode cultural meanings through visual symbols. The deliberate arrangement of lines and shapes isn't merely decorative. The print engages with visual language, inviting viewers to interpret how these structured elements represent and perhaps challenge conventional representations of women. The print prompts us to consider how art serves as a site for ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation of our culture.