Beauty representing winter, from an untitled series of beauties representing the four seasons

Art Historical Context

This color woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyasu captures a poised beauty as an embodiment of winter, part of an untitled series depicting the four seasons. Created around 1818–1830 during Japan’s Edo period, the work belongs to the ukiyo-e tradition, which celebrated the fleeting pleasures of everyday life through vibrant prints. Kuniyasu, a member of the influential Utagawa school, specialized in bijin-ga—images of beautiful women—alongside actor portraits, using elegant lines and subtle color to convey grace and seasonal atmosphere. Printed on an oban sheet measuring roughly 37.5 by 24.8 cen...