Artwork

Woman Tying Her Hair (from the series Famous Restaurants of the Present Day)

Woman Tying Her Hair (from the series Famous Restaurants of the Present Day) is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Kunisada. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene.

This painting shows a woman tying her hair. She's wearing a long, flowing robe with a geometric pattern. The robe is orange and white, and it's draped around her body in a way that creates a sense of movement.

The woman is kneeling on the floor, with her head bent forward and her hands busy with her hair. The background of the painting is a warm, beige color, which helps to create a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation. The overall effect is one of serenity and calmness.

The artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The painting is a beautiful example of Japanese art from the early 19th century. Next, you might want to explore more works by Utagawa Kunisada.

Overview

Created around 1824 by the prolific ukiyo‑e artist Utagawa Kunisada, this woodblock print belongs to his series titled Famous Restaurants of the Present Day. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and depicts a solitary woman engaged in the simple act of arranging her hair.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown kneeling on a muted beige floor, her head bowed as she ties her hair. Dressed in a long robe of orange and white geometric pattern, she occupies a private moment of quiet concentration, suggesting themes of domestic routine and personal care within an urban setting.

Technique & Style

Kunisada employs a restrained palette of warm tones, allowing the orange‑white garment to stand out against the soft background. The composition uses subtle gradations of line and color to convey depth, while the flowing drapery creates a sense of movement that guides the viewer’s eye across the scene.

History & Provenance

The print was produced as part of a commercial series that documented contemporary dining establishments, a popular subject in early‑19th‑century Japanese popular art. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it remains on view as an example of Kunisada’s work for a mass audience.