Young woman and gibbon c. 18th century

This woodblock print, created by the renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyomitsu in the 18th century, depicts a young woman seated and holding a brush, seemingly in the act of writing. A gibbon is perched above her, its long arms reaching down. The print showcases Kiyomitsu's skill in capturing the delicate features of the woman and the dynamic pose of the gibbon. The work exemplifies the ukiyo-e style, a popular genre of Japanese art that captured everyday life and often featured beautiful women, actors, and landscapes. This particular print, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to Kiyomitsu's artistic brilliance and his mastery of the ukiyo-e technique.