Woman Writing a Letter in Front of a Screen c. early 1740s

"Woman Writing a Letter in Front of a Screen" is a woodblock print created by Ishikawa Toyonobu in the early 1740s. The ukiyo-e print, which translates to "pictures of the floating world," depicts a woman seated before a screen, writing a letter. The artist's signature and a seal are visible in the right margin, and the print was likely a part of a larger series, which is typical of ukiyo-e prints. The composition is dynamic and the woman's delicate features are emphasized. The print provides a glimpse into daily life in Edo-period Japan and is a great example of Toyonobu’s intricate detail and bold use of color.