Young woman holding obi between her teeth

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of 18th-century Japanese uyo-e, Torii Kiyomitsu I (1734–1785), a figure of the Torii school, captured fleeting moments of beauty and grace. This *hashira-e* woodblock print from around 1760–64 depicts a young woman delicately holding an obi sash between her teeth, perhaps in the intimate act of dressing or adjusting her kimono. Known for his bijin-ga (images of beautiful women) and kabuki actor portraits, Kiyomitsu infused his works with elegant lines and expressive poses, reflecting the "floating world" culture of Edo-period pleasure districts. The print's slender dimensions (68.3 × 10.2 cm) suit its *hashira-e* format—tall, narrow banners designed to hang on house pillars—making it a striking domestic decoration. As a *benizuri-e*, or "rose-colored print," it employs an innovative early color technique: black outlines and details hand-tinted with vibrant beni (safflower pink), bridging monochrome traditions and the later full-color *nishiki-e*. This method highlighted subtle skin tones and fabrics, showcasing the printer's precision. Held in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this piece exemplifies ukiyo-e's role in democratizing art through affordable multiples, celebrating everyday femininity amid Japan's urban sophistication. Visitors will appreciate its poised elegance, a window into a bygone era's refined aesthetics.

About the Artist

Torii Kiyomitsu I · 1735–1785

Japanese, 1735–1785