Illustrated Proverbs, The Illustrated Lives of Women - Nishikawa Sukenobu

A 1739 woodblock print by Nishikawa Sukenobu from 'Ehon Mitsuwagusa', depicting women in domestic settings with traditional calligraphy.

This woodblock print originates from the 1739 publication 'Ehon Mitsuwagusa', or 'Illustrated Proverbs, The Illustrated Lives of Women', by the Kyoto-based artist Nishikawa Sukenobu. Sukenobu was a prolific illustrator who focused on the daily lives of women, moving away from the focus on courtesans found in the works of his contemporaries in Edo. His style is characterised by a gentle, refined line and a focus on domestic activities.

The composition presents two distinct scenes within a single spread. On the left, a woman stands before a small, portable mirror, adjusting her attire. The background features a sliding screen decorated with a pine motif, providing a sense of interior space. On the right, two women are seated on tatami mats, engaged in conversation. One holds a shamisen, a traditional three-stringed instrument, while the other listens. The inclusion of Japanese calligraphy alongside the figures integrates the visual narrative with the textual content, a common feature of the 'ehon' (picture book) format of the Edo period.

Sukenobu's work provides a window into the social customs and fashions of the eighteenth century. His figures are depicted with a grace that avoids the exaggerated proportions often seen in later ukiyo-e prints. The linework is precise and clean, reflecting the technical skill required for high-quality woodblock printing during this era. The paper retains the warm, aged tone characteristic of historical Japanese prints, adding to the authenticity of the piece. This print is a representative example of the genre of instructional and moralising literature for women that circulated during the mid-Edo period, combining aesthetic appeal with cultural commentary.