Courteousness (Rei), from the series "Five Virtues in the Manners of Women... c. 1781/1801. Creator: Katsukawa Shunzan. Courteousness (Rei), from the series "Five Virtues in the Manners of Women... c. 1781/1801. Creator: Katsukawa Shunzan

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Courteousness (Rei), from the series "Five Virtues in the Manners of Women... c. 1781/1801. Creator: Katsukawa Shunzan. Courteousness (Rei), from the series "Five Virtues in the Manners of Women... c. 1781/1801. Creator: Katsukawa Shunzan

Courteousness (Rei), from the series "Five Virtues in the Manners of Women (Fuzoku onna gojo)", Japan, c. 1781/1801

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Media ID 36220709

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Chuban Courteous Courtesy Hand Gestures Katsukawa Shunzan Kimonos Lantern Polite

EDITORS COMMENTS
Courteousness (Rei)," a captivating woodblock print from the series "Five Virtues in the Manners of Women" created by the renowned Japanese artist Katsukawa Shunzan around 1781 or 1801, offers a glimpse into the refined world of eighteenth-century Japanese culture. The print depicts a woman dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, including a flowing kimono and an obi sash, standing indoors in a softly lit room. She is shown in a full-length pose, gesturing with one hand in a polite and courteous manner, while the other hand rests gently on a wooden lantern. The intricately designed kimono, with its vibrant colors and delicate patterns, is a testament to the artistic skill and attention to detail that characterized the ukiyo-e artistic school during this period. The woman's posture and expression convey a sense of grace and poise, reflecting the virtue of courteousness, or Rei, which was highly valued in Japanese society. The print also showcases the elegant interior of a Japanese home, with its simple yet refined decor, including a traditional Japanese lantern and a wooden screen. The use of chuban, or half-size, format allowed for greater detail and nuance in the depiction of the subject and her surroundings. This beautiful woodblock print is a valuable heritage artifact that offers a window into the past, providing insights into the fashion, customs, and artistic traditions of Japan during the eighteenth century. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of Japanese art and the timeless beauty of its aesthetic sensibilities.

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