First Edition Printing - These prints come from the first edition printing of this series - notable for the three color cartouche in the upper right corner of each design. Later editions had only one or two colors. First edition prints, especially those in fine condition, are highly sought after by collectors. Check out our amazing selection!

Yoshitoshi's Thirty-two Aspects of Women - Yoshitoshi's finest series of bijin-ga, or pictures of beautiful women, Thirty-two Aspects of Women features illustrations of beauties in a lighthearted reference to the thirty-two notable features of Buddha. The women depicted come from all social classes, representing beauties from the late 18th century through Yoshitoshi's own time. Each design captures a woman in a scene from daily life, realistically and sensitively portrayed as individuals rather than idealized figures.

Inquisitive: the appearance of a maid of the Tempo era, No. 13 - A delightful print of a young maid from a samurai household. Young women from wealthy merchant families often worked at a samurai household for a few years to learn good manners. She peers from behind two reed curtains used in summer to replace solid doors, perhaps feeling a little homesick or excluded. The girl is elegantly dressed in a spring kimono decorated with morning glories, one of Yoshitoshi's favorite patterns. The black obi features a subtle black-on-black pattern of peonies, and the white kimono collar is delicately embossed. A beautiful and poignant design.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at top edge from previous mounting. Separation along horizontal centerfold, repaired. Faint toning. Please see photos for details.