The Shrine Maiden Osute of the Tomigaoka Shrine (Tomigaoka miko Osute) c. 1782

"The Shrine Maiden Osute of the Tomigaoka Shrine" is a woodblock print from c. 1782 by the renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyonaga. This work showcases a beautiful woman in a colorful kimono, her hand outstretched, holding a sprig of blossoming plum branches. The delicate and elegant lines of her figure, the flowing fabric of her dress, and the graceful pose of the woman create a sense of refined beauty. The print is a fine example of the "bijin-ga" genre, which focused on depictions of beautiful women, often set in elegant surroundings. The use of soft colors and graceful lines exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing the beauty of the female form and creating a sense of serenity. The intricate details of the kimono and the setting evoke a sense of the luxurious lifestyle of the period. Today, this important work is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.