Beauties of the East as Reflected in Fashions (Fuzoku Azuma no nishiki)
Torii Kiyonaga
Description
Torii Kiyonaga
Japan, 1752–1815
Beauties of the East as Reflected in Fashions
Edo period (1615–1868)
1784
Color woodblock print on paper
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker, 1948/1.159
This print belongs to a series depicting the leisure activities of fashionable denizens of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Inside the precincts of a shrine in the first lunar month of the year, two young women, probably from wealthy merchant families, pause before a vendor selling potted plants. These include plum trees and adonis (fukujuso ̄), the Japanese name of
which contains the words happiness (fuku) and longevity (ju). The elegant combinations of the womens’ kimono, under- kimono, and obi show their sophisticated taste. The young vendor, his hair blowing in the gentle breeze, is equally attractive—a further delight to the eye. Behind the women, a boy looks in dismay at the broken thong of his slipper, adding a comic element to the scene.
Subject Matter:
The label copy just about describes it, but the lantern is of the Shinto religion as signified by the white ties on the front of the shrine. The viewer is meant to conclude that this is a busy market by the passerby looking perplexedly at his sandal.
Torii Kiyonaga, the artist, is a part of the Torii school that produced many of the kabuki advertisement boards and was a huge part of the development of ukiyo-e.
Physical Description:
This image depicts four figures. One is on the lower right appearing to sell small bonsai trees and other plants to two women who tower over her. Behind them is a man who appears to be passing by. The three women wear very different colored clothes and all include unique designs. The merchant woman who kneels is wearing a head covering and sits below a decorated lantern. The passing man holds a sandal. There are two inscriptions. One is on the middle of the right edge next to the head of the merchant woman. The other is above the passerby and two women.
Usage Rights:
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