Artwork

Beauty Replacing Her Hairpin

Beauty Replacing Her Hairpin, by Chôbunsai Eishi, ink, 1800
Beauty Replacing Her Hairpin, by Chôbunsai Eishi, ink, 1800

Beauty Replacing Her Hairpin is an ink painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Beauty Replacing Her Hairpin is an 1800 ink painting by Chōbunsai Eishi, a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. The work depicts a serene scene of a courtesan engaged in a personal moment, characterized by elegant simplicity and calm composition.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a courtesan in a moment of quiet intimacy, adjusting her hairpin while holding a fan and brush. Her attire, a long blue robe with red and white trim and a black hat with a yellow band, conveys elegance. The scene's tranquility suggests a focus on the everyday, intimate life of the subject.

Technique & Style

Eishi's use of ink emphasizes clean, precise lines and soft, bright colors, contributing to the overall sense of calm. The composition, with the subject leaning slightly, adds to the peaceful atmosphere. The style reflects Eishi's ukiyo-e background, known for depicting graceful, slender figures.

History & Provenance

Created in 1800 by Chōbunsai Eishi, a former samurai vassal turned artist under the tutelage of Kano Eisen'in Michinobu, the painting is now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Context

As part of the ukiyo-e movement, this work aligns with the genre's emphasis on capturing moments of beauty in everyday life, particularly among courtesans and geishas of the time.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of *Beauty Replacing Her Hairpin* are not detailed, it represents Eishi's contribution to ukiyo-e's popularity in depicting serene, elegant scenes of women's daily lives.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Chôbunsai Eishi

Artist

Chôbunsai Eishi

Chōbunsai Eishi (鳥文斎 栄之; 1756–1829) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. His last name was Hosoda (細田). His first name was Tokitomi (時富). His common name was Taminosuke (民之丞) and later Yasaburo (弥三郎). Pupil of Kano Eisen'in…