Accession Number
1986/1.160

Title
Beauty

Artist(s)
Torii Kiyonobu

Object Creation Date
circa 1930

Medium & Support
hanging scroll, ink and color on silk

Dimensions
( )

Credit Line
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund

Subject matter
Torii Kiyonobu is considered one of the founders of the Torii school. His work consists of printmaking and painting in the ukiyo-e style. This painting in particular reflects the ukiyo-e movement with its subject matter of a beautiful woman (as inferred by its title). The woman herself is of higher status. With an intricately patterned and colored outer garment, we can assume that she would not wear this as everyday clothing nor for work. Peculiarly her main kimono layer is black, which signifies mourning or a somber formality. Furthermore, her hair is half-down, departed from the typical up-do we see in this period for women. 

Physical Description
This is a figure painting on a hanging scroll. There are many colors present with the background generally of a brown hue and the figure containing predominantly black and white with many intricate and colorful details. The figure is centered in the middle and looks to the right of the scroll (the viewer's left). The woman holds one hand up to her shoulder (holding the outermost layer of her kimono) while the other lies at her side. The kimono she is wearing has many layers. Most notable is the outer white layer lined with a bright red with a colorful floral pattern. The black layer has a circular design that covers a light blue layer. Her obi is a darker gray with a blue floral and circular pattern. Her geta have blue straps. There is a signature at the bottom right corner which is followed by a red stamp. 

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
figure painting

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Figures
beauty
flowers
hanging scroll
kimono
standing
woman