This 1888 [nishiki-e](/glossary/nishiki-e) print from the "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" series presents an urban widow of the Kansei era (1789–1801) who "appears warm"—suggesting an outwardly composed or welcoming manner that belies inner solitude. Yoshitoshi's series anthropologizes women across different historical periods, presenting the widowhood of the late eighteenth century with the same attentive specificity he brought to Meiji-era married women and Edo-period courtesans. The woman's plain dress and restrained expression speak to the societal constraints placed on widows.
1888
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Appearing Warm, Behavior of an Urban Widow of the Kansei Era was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in March 1888.
Appearing Warm, Behavior of an Urban Widow of the Kansei Era depicts figures, bijin-ga, and portraits.
Appearing Warm, Behavior of an Urban Widow of the Kansei Era measures 36.2 × 24.5 cm (Oban format).
