Young Woman Reading Tanzaku Tied to a Cherry Tree c. 1741

"Young Woman Reading Tanzaku Tied to a Cherry Tree" is a classic example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints that flourished in the Edo period. Created by renowned artist Ishikawa Toyonobu in c. 1741, the print depicts a young woman in elegant attire, reading a tanzaku, a narrow strip of paper often used for writing poetry or wishes, tied to a blossoming cherry tree. The work is known for its delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and depiction of everyday life, themes that characterized Toyonobu's artistic style. This print, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, offers a glimpse into the beauty and cultural traditions of 18th-century Japan.