Woman by a Bathtub c. mid 18th century

Editor: Here we have Torii Kiyomitsu's "Woman by a Bathtub," created sometime between 1735 and 1785. It's a hosoban print at the Harvard Art Museums, and the colors are so subtle. What draws your eye in this composition? Curator: The interplay of line and shape is immediately striking. Note how Kiyomitsu uses the vertical lines of the lattice work to create a structural counterpoint to the curves of the woman's body and the flowing lines of her kimono. Editor: The contrast is very subtle, and the curve of the woman's body softens the rigid geometry of the surrounding architecture. Curator: Precisely. And consider the patterning on the kimono, how it interacts with the flat planes of color. Kiyomitsu guides our gaze through the surface by orchestrating our perception of line, color, and texture. It is a marvelous achievement. Editor: It seems like the balance is what makes it work. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Indeed. Thank you. I will consider this piece from now on.