Scenting a kimono with incense

Art Historical Context

Yanagawa Shigenobu (active ca. 1788–1830), a talented pupil of the master Katsushika Hokusai, crafted this enchanting color woodblock print, *Scenting a Kimono with Incense*. Produced in the square *shikishiban* typical of *surimono*—luxurious, privately commissioned prints often featuring poetry—this undated work exemplifies the refined artistry of Japan's Edo-period ukiyo-e tradition. just 21.1 × 18.5 cm, its intimate scale invited personal appreciation, much like a treasured album leaf. The scene captures a graceful moment of domestic elegance: a woman delicately scenting a kimono with inc...