True Reflections on the Life and Manners of a Woman - Nishikawa Sukenobu

A 1748 woodblock print by Nishikawa Sukenobu from 'Ehon Masukagami', depicting scenes of daily life and seasonal customs in Edo-period Japan.

This woodblock print originates from the illustrated book 'Ehon Masukagami' (True Reflections on the Life and Manners of a Woman), published in 1748. Nishikawa Sukenobu, a prominent artist of the mid-Edo period, produced this work to document the daily activities and social customs of women in Kyoto. The composition spans two pages, a common format for ehon (picture books) of the era, allowing for a narrative flow between the visual elements and the accompanying calligraphic text.

The left panel depicts figures interacting with a flowering plum tree, a motif often associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of the year. The right panel shows women engaged in indoor leisure, seated on a wooden veranda. The figures are rendered with the characteristic grace of Sukenobu's style, featuring elongated forms and carefully delineated kimono patterns. The lines are thin and precise, typical of the woodblock carving techniques employed during the 18th century to capture the subtle textures of fabric and the organic shapes of nature.

Sukenobu was known for his focus on the lives of women, moving away from the more theatrical portrayals of kabuki actors common in other Ukiyo-e works. His approach provides a view into the domestic sphere, capturing moments of quiet activity. The integration of text and image creates a balanced page layout, where the calligraphy serves as a visual element alongside the figures. This print reflects the aesthetic values of the period, prioritising clarity of line and a harmonious arrangement of space. The paper shows the natural ageing expected of an 18th-century publication, adding to the historical character of the piece.