['Otomi leaving the bath house', 'Portraits from hit plays of both historical stories and modern life'] 1858

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print, ‘Otomi leaving the bath house’ as part of a series called 'Portraits from hit plays of both historical stories and modern life'. Kunisada was a celebrated designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Japan’s Edo period when the artistic and cultural life of the country flourished. In this print, Kunisada depicts Otomi, a character from a popular play, leaving a bathhouse. She is shown in the emotional aftermath of a pivotal scene, indicated by the towel she holds to her face. Kunisada masterfully captures the pathos of a young woman caught in circumstances beyond her control, reflecting the complex social and emotional lives of women within the confines of the Edo period. Kunisada often drew inspiration from theater, infusing his prints with narratives that resonated with contemporary audiences. The use of bathhouses as a setting is significant; these spaces were not only for hygiene but also social interaction, underscoring the intersection of public and private life during this time. Kunisada's work gives a visual form to the stories and feelings that were alive in the hearts of his audience, capturing a profound sense of human experience.