The artwork, titled “Looking hot – The appearance of a housewife in the Bunsei era,” was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in the year 1888. It belongs to the art movement known as Ukiyo-e and falls within the genre of portraiture. This piece is a part of Yoshitoshi’s series “Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life.”
In the artwork, a woman, presumably a housewife from the Bunsei era, is depicted in a moment of respite, perhaps feeling the discomfort and heat commonly associated with household chores. She is adorned in traditional attire, characterized by an intricately patterned green kimono accentuated with floral designs and vibrant blue and red inner layers. Her hair is styled elaborately, anchored with a comb and a hairpin, indicative of the period style. The detailed background with calligraphy and decorative elements enhances the historical ambiance. The composition reflects the Ukiyo-e tradition, combining delicate line work with rich, vivid colors, and providing a glimpse into the everyday life of a housewife during Japan’s Edo period.
