Artwork

Uncho, the Wife of the Official Mei Ch'ing, Reading at a Table

Uncho, the Wife of the Official Mei Ch'ing, Reading at a Table, by Isoda Koryūsai, 1774
Uncho, the Wife of the Official Mei Ch'ing, Reading at a Table, by Isoda Koryūsai, 1774

Uncho, the Wife of the Official Mei Ch'ing, Reading at a Table is a print by the Romanticist artist Isoda Koryūsai. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Uncho, the Wife of the Official Mei Ch'ing, Reading at a Table is a print by Isoda Koryūsai, created around 1774. It is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two women in a serene domestic setting. One woman kneels, engrossed in a book with a red cover, while the other stands beside her, holding a fan adorned with Japanese text. Their elegant attire and hairstyles suggest a tranquil moment in a refined household.

Technique & Style

The women's bright red robes and black sashes are rendered in vivid detail, complemented by the subtle depiction of their simple jewelry and hairstyles. The inclusion of Japanese writing on the standing woman's fan adds a layer of cultural context to the scene.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.