Who painted Five Beauties?

Five Beauties was painted by Teisai Hokuba in 1840-01-01.

Where can I see Five Beauties?

Five Beauties is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Five Beauties?

Five Beauties is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of Five Beauties?

Museum-quality prints of Five Beauties are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Five Beauties

Teisai Hokuba , 1840

Five Beauties is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Teisai Hokuba. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This painting, titled Five Beauties, was created by Teisai Hokuba in 1840. It portrays five women engaged in a social gathering, featuring both a game and a tea ceremony. The work is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into domestic or leisure activities of the period.

Subject & Meaning

Elements like a teapot and cup indicate a tea party, possibly combined with a game, highlighting social customs of the era.

The artwork presents five women, elegantly dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos of varied colors and patterns. They are depicted in a relaxed setting, with most seated on the floor while one stands gracefully in the background. Their expressions and interactions suggest a convivial atmosphere, centered around shared enjoyment.

Elements like a teapot and cup indicate a tea party, possibly combined with a game, highlighting social customs of the era.

Technique & Style

Hokuba's painting utilizes a light brown background, which allows the vibrant kimonos worn by the five women to stand out. Each figure is rendered with attention to detail in their attire, showcasing different textile designs. The composition arranges the women to convey a sense of intimacy and shared activity, with their gazes directed towards one another, reinforcing the theme of companionship. The artist's approach emphasizes the elegance and social grace of his subjects.