Woman Holding Kimono with Mt. Fuji above c. 1740s

This woodblock print, "Woman Holding Kimono with Mt. Fuji above," was created by Nishimura Shigenaga in the 18th century. The print balances an intimate portrait with a landscape viewed through a window, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The composition is divided into two distinct registers: the foreground with the figure of the woman and the background featuring Mt. Fuji. The woman, adorned in a patterned kimono, occupies the lower portion, her figure defined by delicate lines and subtle shading. Above, Mt. Fuji is rendered with soft, muted tones, its iconic form framed by wisps of cloud. The interplay between the detailed patterns of the kimono and the serene simplicity of the mountain creates a dynamic tension, engaging us to consider how cultural symbols and individual identities are framed within broader social and environmental contexts.