Looking Inquisitive - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

A refined woodblock print from the series 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners' by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, depicting a woman in a morning glory kimono.

This woodblock print is part of the series Fuzoku Sanjuniso, or 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners', created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1888. The series documents the changing fashions and social behaviours of women across different historical eras in Japan. This specific image, titled 'Looking Inquisitive', depicts a woman from the Tenpo era (1830-1844) adjusting her hair.

The composition relies on a narrow, vertical frame that mimics the appearance of a doorway or a screen. The subject is positioned between two bamboo blinds, which creates a sense of intimacy and voyeuristic observation. Her expression is subtle, captured with a refined line quality that defines the contours of her face and the elaborate structure of her hairstyle.

The woman wears a kimono decorated with morning glory vines. The floral pattern provides a contrast to the geometric, repetitive lines of the bamboo blinds in the background. Yoshitoshi employs a balanced colour palette, using soft purples for the garment and muted greens for the architectural elements. The print demonstrates the technical precision of late-nineteenth-century Japanese woodblock printing, particularly in the application of colour and the rendering of textile textures.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is recognised for his ability to infuse traditional ukiyo-e subjects with a psychological depth that was uncommon in earlier works of the genre. By focusing on the specific mannerisms of his subjects, he provides a record of personal habits and social expectations. This print offers a view into the aesthetic preferences of the late Meiji period, while simultaneously referencing the historical styles of the preceding decades.