Maiden (Kimusume), from the series "Mirror of Flowering Humanity (Kaika ninjo kagami)" 1878

This is "Maiden (Kimusume)," a woodblock print from the series "Mirror of Flowering Humanity (Kaika ninjo kagami)," made by Toyohara Kunichika. Notice how the composition is dominated by a vertical orientation and organized in a flat plane with a limited range of depth. The interplay between the vibrant colors of the woman’s kimono and hair ornaments, and the child's pallid skin creates a striking contrast. Kunichika masterfully balances realism and artifice. The green backdrop and the geometric patterns on the clothing do not convey real space; rather, the abstract patterns highlight the surface and flatness. The figures are outlined with strong contour lines and filled in with flat color, further emphasizing the print's graphic nature. The aesthetic effect, therefore, isn’t about verisimilitude, but rather about surface, pattern, and decorative value. The emphasis on line and color over illusionistic depth suggests a move away from traditional perspective, creating a modern sensibility.