A Collection of Pictures of Chignon Hairstyles (Kazura tsuke sokuhatsu zukai) Possibly 1887

Curator: I find this vertical ôban print by Yoshu Chikanobu, titled "A Collection of Pictures of Chignon Hairstyles," utterly charming. Editor: Indeed, it's delightful! I'm struck by the way the composition emphasizes repetition and variation through these abstracted chignon forms. The subtle shifts in color harmony creates an interesting rhythm for the eye. Curator: The chignon itself, a classic hairstyle, serves as a cultural marker here. Each variation subtly communicates status, occasion, and personal style—a visual language instantly understood by its contemporary audience. It embodies societal expectations and aspirations. Editor: Precisely. It's clear that the materiality of the hairstyle is so important in this image. The interplay of line and flat color, the textured surfaces against smooth expanses, reveals the artistry of the printmaking itself. Curator: It's a window into a vanished world, a testament to the enduring power of fashion as a form of cultural expression and identity formation. Editor: I agree. It's a fascinating piece that gives us so much to consider about the aesthetic and social values embedded in everyday objects.