Who painted The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat?

The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat was painted by Chôbunsai Eishi in 1796.

Where can I see The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat?

The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat?

The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Artwork

The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat

Chôbunsai Eishi , 1796

The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat is an ink painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1796 by Chōbunsai Eishi, *The Salt Maidens, Murasame with Yukihira's Hat* is an ink painting in the ukiyo-e tradition, featuring a solitary figure in a serene landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a woman, identified as Murasame, standing beside a tree with red foliage, holding a black hat (attributed to Yukihira) and gazing downward. Her attire includes a kimono with a red sash and white floral patterns. The scene embodies the bijin-ga style, characterized by elegant, slender beauties.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink, the work showcases Eishi's adherence to ukiyo-e conventions, with delicate lines, a restrained color palette (notably the beige background, green border, and accents of red), and the inclusion of Japanese text on the right side.

History & Provenance

Originally a samurai of the Fujiwara clan, Eishi left his position to pursue art. This piece is now part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Context

As an early bijin-ga work by Eishi, it reflects the artist's transition from a samurai background to a career in ukiyo-e, a popular art form in 18th-century Japan.

Legacy

While specific impact details are not provided, the piece's presence in a major museum collection (Art Institute of Chicago) suggests its recognition within Eishi's oeuvre and the broader ukiyo-e tradition.

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…