True Beauties 1898

This is True Beauties, a Japanese woodblock print by Yōshū Chikanobu. The composition centres on a portrait of a woman, her face and form rendered with delicate lines and muted tones. The artist uses a minimal palette, focusing on the contrast between the black of her elaborate hairstyle and the subtle gradations of her white kimono. This emphasis on line and form draws our attention to the structure inherent within the composition. Chikanobu’s use of the woodblock technique adds a layer of complexity. The precise carving and layering of colours create depth and texture. The background, a pale wash, accentuates the figure, but it also raises questions about space and representation. The flatness of the print challenges traditional notions of perspective, inviting us to consider how the artist uses the formal elements to convey meaning. Ultimately, the beauty of this print lies in its ability to negotiate the tension between surface and depth, representation and abstraction. It invites ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.