Artwork

A Puppet Made from a Bucket, A Lady of the Enpō Era (1673–1681), from the series Thirty-six Elegant Selections

A Puppet Made from a Bucket, A Lady of the Enpō Era (1673–1681), from the series Thirty-six Elegant Selections is a print by the Impressionist artist Mizuno Toshikata. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print is part of the series Thirty-six Elegant Selections, created by Mizuno Toshikata, a student of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. It depicts a woman from the Enpō era holding a puppet.

Subject & Meaning

The woman, dressed in a purple kimono, is shown with a puppet made from a wooden bucket, wearing a miniature blue kimono and red hat. The image represents a figure from a specific historical period, reflecting the artist's interest in history painting.

Technique & Style

The print features bold colors against a plain background, creating a striking visual effect. This stylistic choice emphasizes the subject and highlights the artist's skill in using color to draw attention.

History & Provenance

Mizuno Toshikata was a favored student of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and succeeded him as a newspaper illustrator, indicating a connection between traditional and modern forms of Japanese art.