Rikomono (Know-it-all)
1767-1806
Kitagawa Utamaro, the legendary master of ukiyo-e, playfully categorizes this woman as a 'Rikomono,' or 'Intellectual' (sometimes cheekily translated as 'Know-it-all'). She is depicted completely absorbed in a large book—likely a conduct manual for women—sporting a chic blue plaid kimono and an elaborate hairstyle adorned with hairpins. This print belongs to his series 'Kyokun Oya Megane' (Admonitions of Parents' Eyes), which humorously examined different female personality types in Edo-period Japan. It’s a delightful snapshot of 18th-century life, showing that the 'bookworm' archetype is nothing new, all rendered with Utamaro’s signature focus on fashion and delicate lines.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper
Views: 5