Artwork

Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World

Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Kunisada. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1916.1131
Credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade

About this work

The circular frame behind her has a blue and white floral pattern, and there are some Japanese characters written on the right side of the frame.

This painting shows a woman in a traditional Japanese kimono, holding a hand mirror. She is standing in front of a circular frame with a blue and white floral pattern. The woman's kimono is striped with blue, white, and pink, and she has a black obi around her waist. Her hair is styled in an updo, and she is wearing a pink and blue hairpin.

The circular frame behind her has a blue and white floral pattern, and there are some Japanese characters written on the right side of the frame. The background of the painting is a light beige color.

The woman's pose and expression suggest that she is getting ready for a special occasion. The painting is a beautiful example of Japanese art from the early 19th century. To learn more about the Romanticism movement, check out the works of Utagawa Kunisada.

Overview

This print, 'Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World', is a work by Utagawa Kunisada, created around 1834. It is a representative example of Japanese art from the early 19th century and is held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in a traditional kimono, preparing for a special occasion. She holds a hand mirror and stands before a circular frame with a floral pattern. Her pose and expression convey a sense of quiet contemplation and attention to personal grooming.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Kunisada's skill in ukiyo-e, a style of Japanese woodblock printing. The woman's kimono features intricate striped patterns in blue, white, and pink, while her hair is styled in an updo adorned with a hairpin. The circular frame behind her displays a blue and white floral design.