Appearing Inquisitive, Behavior of a Maid of the Tenpō Era
- Date:
- April 1888
- Medium:
- Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 36.4 × 2.9 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
"Appearing Inquisitive, Behavior of a Maid of the Tenpō Era" (April 1888) is another entry in the "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" series, here depicting a domestic servant of the reform-minded Tenpō period (1830–1844). The maid's curiosity—perhaps peering around a screen or listening at a door—is rendered with sympathetic humor rather than condescension. Yoshitoshi's treatment of working-class women in this series grants them the same observational care he lavished on courtesans and aristocratic ladies, recognizing the full spectrum of female experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Appearing Inquisitive, Behavior of a Maid of the Tenpō Era was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in April 1888.
Appearing Inquisitive, Behavior of a Maid of the Tenpō Era depicts figures, bijin-ga, and interiors.
Appearing Inquisitive, Behavior of a Maid of the Tenpō Era measures 36.4 × 2.9 cm (Oban format).