The ukiyo-e artist Keisai Eisen : a study of his colored woodblock prints of beautiful women, seen in contrast to Utagawa Kunisada

• Published in: Bijutsushi Vol. 64; no. 177
• Main Author: Matsuda, Misako
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: 01.10.2014

The ukiyo-e artist Keisai Eisen (1791-1848) was widely known for his woodblock prints of voluptuous, beautiful women, made during the late Edo period. While past studies based on Eisen's autobiography "Mumeio zuihitsu" have produced important results, there are still unsolved problems in the research on his woodblock print productions. In particular, a constant and enduring commentary of his large production of beautiful women prints has centered on negative criticism by denoting them as being "degenerate" or "sensuous." It is clear that we have not come to a full understanding of these prints that occupy a key place in Eisen's color woodblock works. In this paper, I propose to study them in depth, by comparing them with those produced by a contemporary woodblock print artist, Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864). In addition, I will also attempt to clarify various characteristics specific to Eisen's colored woodblock prints. [Abridged Publication Abstract]