Girl Drying Herself after Her Bath

Art Historical Context

**Girl Drying Herself after Her Bath** by Isoda Koryūsai is a captivating woodblock print Japan's Edo period (16151868), showcasing the ukiyo-e tradition of "pictures of the floating world Koryūsai, a of bijin-ga (images of beautiful women), crafted this intimate scene of a young girl drying her hair after bathing, set against a serene backdrop of trees. The's tall, narrow format—measuring 26¼ inches high by just 4¾ inches wideidentifies it as a *ira-e*, or pillar print, designed to hang vertically on architectural pillars in homes, blending art seamlessly into everyday life. Rendered in vibrant ink and color on paper, the work highlights ukiyo-e's innovative techniques: intricate woodblock carving allowed for precise lines, subtle gradations (*bokashi*), and layered colors that evoke the girl's soft skin and flowing hair. Produced during a time of urban prosperity in Edo (modern Tokyo), such prints celebrated feminine beauty and transient pleasures, making high art accessible to the merchant class. Part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's H.O. Havemeyer Collection, this piece reflects Koryūsai's influence in the late 18th century, bridging eroticism and elegance in Japanese visual culture. Visitors will appreciate its delicate poetry, a window into Edo Japan's refined aesthetic. (198 words)

About the Artist

Isoda Koryūsai · 1735–1790

Japanese, 1735–ca. 1790