Metal for Tooth Blackening 1878

This woodblock print, “Metal for Tooth Blackening,” by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi depicts two women engaged in the traditional Japanese practice of tooth blackening. The woman in the foreground leans forward, carefully applying the blackening paste to her teeth with a brush. The woman in the background holds a tray with various implements used in the process. The print’s vivid colors and dramatic composition highlight the ritualistic nature of the custom, once considered a mark of beauty and maturity in Japanese culture. The print is a testament to Yoshitoshi’s skill as a master of the ukiyo-e style, known for its portrayal of everyday life and popular culture in Japan.