Young woman applying make up 1796

This woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro, a renowned Japanese artist of the Edo period, depicts a young woman applying makeup in front of a mirror. Created in 1796, "Young woman applying make up" exemplifies Utamaro's signature style: elongated figures with delicate features and intricate details. This piece captures the daily life of a beautiful woman, showcasing the elegance and femininity that was celebrated in Japanese art. The use of bold lines and subtle shading highlights the woman's graceful posture and the exquisite fabric of her kimono. The print is an excellent example of the ukiyo-e genre, a form of Japanese art depicting everyday life and entertainment.