The artwork titled “Looking itchy – The Appearance of a Kept Woman of the Kaei Era” was created by the renowned artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu). It is a part of the series “Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life.”
The artwork portrays a woman in traditional Japanese attire, partially disrobed and leaning forward, revealing her bare chest. She appears to be in the midst of an action, possibly scratching an itch, as suggested by the title. The background features a green drapery, which contrasts with the woman’s red and blue garments. Yoshitoshi’s detailed rendering of the fabrics and the woman’s posture conveys both sensuality and the nuances of daily life in the Kaei Era. The overall composition and use of color reflect the aesthetics and themes typical of Ukiyo-e, emphasizing both realism and stylization.
