Who painted Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies?

Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies was painted by Chôbunsai Eishi in 1796.

Where can I see Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies?

Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies?

Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies

Chôbunsai Eishi , 1796

Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies is a print by the Romanticist artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Women Beside a Stream Chasing Fireflies is a print depicting a serene nighttime scene. Three women in flowing robes are shown beside a stream, engaged in a leisurely activity.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a group of women chasing fireflies, a summer pastime popular among urban women in Edo-period Japan. The scene conveys a sense of carefree amusement and gentle movement.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved the glowing effect of the fireflies by leaving areas of the paper blank, creating an impression of soft, ethereal light. The women's long sleeves appear to ripple in the breeze, adding to the sense of movement.

Context

Created during the Edo period, this print reflects a cultural activity of the time, where firefly-chasing was a favored summer diversion for women in urban areas.

Artist & collection

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…