Artwork

A Wife of the Lower Rank (Gebon no nyōbō), from the series A Guide to Women's Contemporary Styles (Tōsei onna fūzoku tsū)

A Wife of the Lower Rank (Gebon no nyōbō), from the series A Guide to Women's Contemporary Styles (Tōsei onna fūzoku tsū) is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Wife of the Lower Rank (Gebon no nyōbō) is a woodblock print from circa 1802, part of the series A Guide to Women's Contemporary Styles by Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro, now in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman of lower noble rank engaged in a personal grooming ritual, specifically applying lip color. Her attire and hairstyle reflect traditional Japanese elegance, with a floral-patterned kimono and an updo adorned with a hairpin. A fan tucked behind her head adds a subtle detail. Her downward gaze and tilted face convey focused attention on the task.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's composition emphasizes the subject through a muted background, drawing viewer attention to the woman's actions and features. The print showcases Utamaro's renowned ability to capture the beauty and intimacy of everyday moments in the lives of women during this period.

History & Provenance

Created around 1802, this print is one of Utamaro's later works within the series A Guide to Women's Contemporary Styles. It is currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Part of a broader series exploring contemporary female styles, this work reflects late Edo period (1603-1867) interests in depicting the daily lives and fashions of women from various social strata.

Legacy

As a characteristic example of Utamaro's oeuvre, A Wife of the Lower Rank contributes to the artist's lasting reputation for insightful and beautifully rendered portraits of women, influencing subsequent generations of Japanese artists.