Seated Woman
Utagawa Kunisada
Description
Subject Matter:
This print features a literary reference to Heian period author, poet, and court lady, Sei Shōnagon (c.966 - 1017 or 1025) as indicated by the illustration and text in the open book depicted at top left. The text near the illustration is her poem in the medieval poetic anthology, Hyakunin isshu (#62). The crests that arch across the top may indicate this print is part of a series.
Physical Description:
A woman in kimono sits with her sleeve to her mouth. The kimono is decorated with fall leaves, and she sits behind lacquwe tea ware. Above her are crest-like decorations in blue, backgrounding the open pages of a book.
Usage Rights:
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