Woman Dressing after Her Bath

Art Historical Context

**Woman Dressing after Her Bath** by Ishikawaonobu (1711–1785), created around 1755–65, an intimate moment from Japan's vibrant Edo period. This color woodblock print depicts a graceful woman in the midst of dressing post-bath, her flowing robes and poised gesture embodying the elegance of *bijin-ga*— of beautiful women that were a hallmark of uki-e, the "floating world" art celebrating everyday pleasures, theater, and urban life. Toyonobu, a skilled pupil of ukiyo-e master Nishimura Shigenaga, crafted this as a *hashira-e* (pillar print), its tall, slender format—measuring 68.8 × 10.2 cm—designed to hang vertically on architectural pillars in homes or teahouses. Printed as a *benizuri-e* (rose-colored print), it showcases an early multicolored technique from the 1740s–60s, layering delicate pinks from safflower dye (*beni*) with blues and greens for subtle vibrancy, bridging monochrome traditions and full-color masterpieces to come. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this work offers a window into 18th-century Japanese culture, where such prints democratized beauty and sensuality for commoners. Toyonobu's refined lines and poised composition highlight the era's fascination with feminine poise amid transient joys.

About the Artist

Ishikawa Toyonobu · 1711–1785

Japanese, 1711–1785