“Wishing to remove makeup,” an exquisite woodblock print by esteemed artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, was crafted in 1852 during the Ukiyo-e art movement. This bijinga genre piece belongs to the celebrated series “Celebrated Products of Mountains and Seas” and measures 37.1 by 24.4 centimeters. Presently, the artwork is part of the collection at the British Museum in London, UK.
The artwork depicts a female figure, elegantly adorned in traditional Japanese attire, meticulously wiping her face, suggesting the removal of makeup. Her kimono, decorated with intricate patterns, highlights the refinement and meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Kuniyoshi’s work. The background features a scenic winter landscape with snow-covered mountains, juxtaposed with a serene body of water and small figures engaged in daily activities, offering a glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of nature and human life in Edo-period Japan. The subtle gradation of colors and the delicate portrayal of the fabric textures exemplify the sophistication of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques, making this piece a noteworthy representation of 19th-century Japanese art.
