A Girl and Four Servants, from the series "A Brocade of Eastern Manners (Fuzoku Azuma no nishiki)" c. 1783 - 1784

"A Girl and Four Servants" is a woodblock print from Torii Kiyonaga's series "A Brocade of Eastern Manners". The print, made between 1783-1784, depicts five figures in elaborate clothing, with a young girl being accompanied by four servants. Kiyonaga, known for his graceful portrayal of women in the Edo period, captures the elegance of these figures in their traditional Japanese attire. The detail in their clothes, from the intricate patterns to the elaborate hairstyles, highlights the richness of Japanese culture and the status of the figures within the society. This print, now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies Kiyonaga's contribution to the "ukiyo-e" genre, which depicts everyday life and popular culture.