Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection 1824 - 1826

This woodblock print by Yashima Gakutei, a renowned artist of the Edo period (1603-1868), depicts a woman tuning a shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed musical instrument. The woman is seated, her elegant kimono patterned with flowers and a cat peering at its reflection in the instrument's body. The scene captures a moment of quiet contemplation, and the detail in the woman's expression and the cat's playful gaze adds a sense of charm and whimsy to the composition. The print's small size and delicate details reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the period, known for its appreciation of refined beauty and everyday life. This work, dating to 1824-1826, exemplifies Gakutei's mastery of ukiyo-e, a genre that celebrated the fleeting beauty of the world.