De Chofu Tama rivier in de provincie Musashi 1812 - 1814

Kikugawa Eizan’s woodblock print, *De Chofu Tama rivier in de provincie Musashi* captures a moment in the series ‘Fashionable Six Jewel Rivers,’ likely made in the early 19th century. The print depicts a woman standing near the Chofu Tama River. The flowing river and mountain backdrop create a serene setting, while the poem inscribed above her adds a layer of literary elegance. These ‘bijin-ga’, or images of beautiful women, were extremely popular during the Edo period. But they were often not simply portraits. They captured the shifting cultural values and fashion trends of the era. Eizan’s choice to highlight the figure’s fashionable attire and the importance of leisure activities speaks to the cultural values of the time. It shows the complex interplay of social status, cultural identity, and idealized beauty. The poem alludes to themes of longing or reflection, inviting viewers to consider the emotional landscape of the scene, and possibly the emotional life of women at the time. Ultimately, this print is a window into the aesthetic sensibilities and social ideals of 19th-century Japan.