Behind the Screen

Art Historical Context

Hishikawa Moronobu's *Behind the Screen* (c. 1673/81) is a captivating early example of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated Japan's vibrant urban life during the Edo period. As one of the first masters of this genre, Moronobu (c. 1618–1694) helped popularize woodblock prints as affordable art for the masses, depicting scenes of everyday pleasures like theater, fashion, and romance. This horizontal oban yoko-e print, measuring 27.2 × 38.4 cm, invites viewers into a private, intimate moment—likely peeking at lovers or courtesans shielded by a room divider—evoking the playful voyeurism of 17th-century Edo society. Rendered in sumizuri-e technique, meaning "ink-black print," the work uses only black ink on paper, showcasing masterful line work and subtle shading without color. This monochromatic style was pioneering, allowing precise carving on woodblocks for mass production while highlighting Moronobu's fluid contours and dynamic compositions. Printed during a time when ukiyo-e was transitioning from illustrated books to standalone sheets, it marks the genre's shift toward visual storytelling. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, *Behind the Screen* offers a window into Japan's cultural flourishing under the Tokugawa shogunate, where woodblock prints democratized beauty and desire for merchants and commoners alike. A true gem for fans of Japanese art history!

About the Artist

Hishikawa Moronobu

Hishikawa Moronobu (1618–1694) holds an unassailable position in Japanese art history as the founder of ukiyo-e, the 'pictures of the floating world' that would become Japan's most internationally recognized art form. Born in the provincial town of Yasuda during the early Edo period, Moronobu transformed woodblock printing from a purely utilitarian craft into an independent artistic medium, establ...