Artwork

Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World

Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1834
Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1834

Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Kunisada. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The circular frame behind her has a blue and white floral pattern, and there are some Japanese characters written on the right side of the frame.

This painting shows a woman in a traditional Japanese kimono, holding a hand mirror. She is standing in front of a circular frame with a blue and white floral pattern. The woman's kimono is striped with blue, white, and pink, and she has a black obi around her waist. Her hair is styled in an updo, and she is wearing a pink and blue hairpin.

The circular frame behind her has a blue and white floral pattern, and there are some Japanese characters written on the right side of the frame. The background of the painting is a light beige color.

The woman's pose and expression suggest that she is getting ready for a special occasion. The painting is a beautiful example of Japanese art from the early 19th century. To learn more about the Romanticism movement, check out the works of Utagawa Kunisada.

Overview

This print, 'Woman with a Hand Mirror from the series The Six Tama Rivers of the Floating World', is a work by Utagawa Kunisada, created around 1834. It is a representative example of Japanese art from the early 19th century and is held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in a traditional kimono, preparing for a special occasion. She holds a hand mirror and stands before a circular frame with a floral pattern. Her pose and expression convey a sense of quiet contemplation and attention to personal grooming.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Kunisada's skill in ukiyo-e, a style of Japanese woodblock printing. The woman's kimono features intricate striped patterns in blue, white, and pink, while her hair is styled in an updo adorned with a hairpin. The circular frame behind her displays a blue and white floral design.

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.