Washday
Artist
Torii Kiyonaga
Japanese, 1752 - 1815
Publisher
Kōshodō
Japanese
Place of OriginJapan
Date1788
PeriodEdo period (1615-1868)
CultureJapanese
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsH. 15 in x W. 10 in, H. 38 cm x W. 25.4 cm (each) (ōban triptych)
Credit LineGift of the Grabhorn Ukiyo-e Collection
Object number2005.100.68.a-.c
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsPrints And Drawings
On View
Not on viewSignedSignature: 清長画 Kiyonaga ga
Collectors’ seals: 受益書庫之印 Jūeki bunko no in; Edwin and Marjorie Grabhorn (three sheets, verso)
MarkingsPublisher’s mark: 蔦屋重三郎 Tsutaya Jūzaburō
Text Entries鳥居清長筆 洗張り
Paper format: This print consists of three vertical large-format (oban) prints. The large three-sheet format developed in the 1780s, allowing artists to design more complex and dynamic compositions. Torii Kiyonaga used this wide format to produce multi-figure scenes against detailed backgrounds.
About this print: Kiyonaga depicts beauties of the pleasure quarter in their off-duty hours relaxing in a summer garden. At the right, courtesans primp in front of a mirror as their clothes are washed by maids. Stretched out to dry between trees is a long bolt of cloth, a silk kimono taken apart at the seams for washing.
Torii Kiyonaga
