Kayoi Komachi, from the series "Seven Elegant Episodes of the Poet Komachi" (Fūryū nanakomachi kayoi) 1785 - 1805

Chōbunsai Eishi created this woodblock print, "Kayoi Komachi," as part of a series sometime in the late 18th century. It reinterprets the legend of the poet Komachi, imagining her as a contemporary woman of the Edo period. Here, Eishi, working within the floating world or Ukiyo-e tradition, updates Komachi’s story for a new urban, merchant-class audience. We see her not as a tragic figure, but as a refined woman enjoying a snowy outing, her elegant kimono a sign of wealth and status. The print reflects the cultural values of its time, where female beauty and fashion were celebrated. Yet, it also subtly critiques the rigid social hierarchy, presenting a commoner, Komachi, in the guise of an aristocratic lady. Understanding this print requires considering the social and economic transformations of Edo-period Japan. Art historical research into the print’s reception, the publishing industry, and the fashion trends of the time can reveal the complex dynamics of class, gender, and cultural identity at play.