Untitled

Torii Kiyonaga

ca. 1790–91 · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Torii Kiyonaga, also renowned for his portraits of actors, has wrapped this beautiful woman in bright silk robes. Her red outer robe is decorated with chrysanthemum roundels in delicate colors, her furisode (a kimono with long, swinging sleeves) of peach silk has orchid designs, and the cream underrobe and red undergarment add to the contrast with her black obi. Tall, stately, and slightly remote, the subject can be identified as a woman of high standing. The classical twofold screen behind her, decorated with a closed blind, further removes her from everyday life. Anchoring her spreading robes to the floor is a Japanese spaniel, a creature that, like its mistress, was prized for breeding and elegance.

Artist

Torii Kiyonaga

Date

ca. 1790–91

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1929