Artisans, Beauties, and Annual Events 1874

This woodblock print, "Artisans, Beauties, and Annual Events" (1874) by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), depicts two women in elaborate garments. One woman, dressed in a blue robe with a white undergarment, is holding a fan and wearing a large, decorative headdress. The second woman, dressed in a green robe, is seated at a table and writing. The work is a prime example of the *ukiyo-e* style, which became popular in Japan during the 17th and 19th centuries. The use of bright colors and detailed imagery captures the beauty and elegance of traditional Japanese life. This piece is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY.