Court Woman at her Desk with Poem Cards 1795

This woodblock print, "Court Woman at her Desk with Poem Cards," was created by Kubo Shunman in 1795. The print depicts a woman seated at a desk, possibly composing or reviewing poetry, surrounded by scrolls, poem cards, and writing implements. This is a common theme in Japanese art of the Edo period, capturing the elegance and refinement of courtly life. The woman's intricate kimono, the delicate details of the room's furnishings, and the flowing calligraphy on the poem cards all speak to the artistry and cultural sophistication of the time. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a valuable window into 18th-century Japanese aesthetics.