Kiseru o motsu onna – Woman holding a pipe
1793-1804
Utamaro revolutionized Japanese art with his 'okubi-e' style, zooming in on faces instead of full bodies, and this print is a stunning example. The woman is caught in a sleek profile, her massive hairstyle adorned with a fan of long, golden hairpins that look like she’s wearing a crown of sun rays. She holds a kiseru, a long, slender smoking pipe that was the ultimate fashion accessory for Edo-period courtesans, signaling cool sophistication. The red mirror in the top corner labels this as one of the 'Five Faces of a Beautiful Woman,' capturing a moment of aloof, stylish contemplation.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
Views: 3