Ladies at a Picnic
ca. 1790
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H. 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm); W. 9 13/16 in. (24.9 cm)
Classification
Prints
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1922
Accession Number
JP1442
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Ladies at a Picnic** Chōbunsai Eishi, created around 1790, captures the graceful elegance of women enjoying a leisurely outing during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868). This wood print, measuring 14 5/8 x 9 13/16 inches, showcases Eishi's mastery in *ukiyo-e*—the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated fleeting pleasures like beauty, fashion, and urban life. As a leading artist of his time, Eishi specialized *bijin-ga* (images of beautiful women), rendering his subjects with refined poise amid nature. Printed with ink and vibrant colors on paper, the work exemplifies the collaborative artistry of woodblock printing: carvers and printers brought Eishi's delicate lines and subtle shading to life, making such pieces affordable and popular among Edo's merchant class. The ladies, adorned with fans and hats, evoke the refined world of courtesans and elite women, highlighting cultural ideals of femininity and harmony with the seasons. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department (Rogers Fund, 1922), this print offers a window into 18th-century Japanese society, where art democratized beauty. Pause to admire the intricate details—perfect for savoring the artistry of everyday elegance!
About the Artist
Chōbunsai Eishi · 1756–1829
Japanese, 1756–1829