The artwork titled “Looking Relaxed – The Appearance of a Kyoto Geisha of the Kansei Era,” created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1888, belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. It is a portrait from the series “Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life.”
The artwork features a serene and composed geisha, adorned in traditional attire indicative of the Kansei era. The geisha, depicted in a state of repose, wears an exquisite blue kimono decorated with delicate designs. Her hair, styled in an elaborate traditional coiffure, is complemented by strikingly ornate hairpins. The expression on her face exudes a quiet elegance and tranquility, capturing the essence of her relaxed demeanor. The background remains subtly unobtrusive, ensuring that the primary focus remains on the geisha’s graceful presence. This piece is a testament to Yoshitoshi’s mastery in portraying both the aesthetic beauty and the nuanced emotions of his subjects within the Ukiyo-e genre.