Yoshitoshi's Women: The Woodblock-Print Series Fuzoku Sanjuniso

by Yoshitoshi's Women: The Woodblock-Print Series: Fûzoku sanjûnisô

Esteemed woodblock printer Taiso Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) is best known for designs of Japan's legendary past, for violent and bloody images, and for his images of women. Fuzoku sanjuniso, "Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life," was issued in 1888. The series followed a traditional format: a lighthearted

Genres: Art, Japan, Nonfiction

95 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Robin]

This handsome volume offers an in-depth look at one of Yoshitoshi Tsukioka's most remarkable series of woodblock prints. The book opens with an excellent summary of Yoshitoshi's life as well as the ukiyo-e creative process, making it appropriate for both newcomers to Japanese art and the already initiated.

Each print in the series is given a full two page spread, with one page devoted to the artwork and the other providing in-depth commentary. The descriptions are fascinating and extremely illuminating, cluing the modern viewer in on allusions, metaphors, and other pieces of cultural context that the contemporary Japanese audience would've naturally understood.

From literature to fashion and material culture, the multidisciplinary depth of John Stevenson's research is truly impressive, and the presentation is clear and engaging. I've been a fan of Yoshitoshi's artwork for years, but this book helped me gain an even deeper appreciation of his work. Highly recommended.

[DALZ]

really fascinating—loved this view into the demimonde of 19th century japanese cities, through the lens of (semi-erotic) artwork. some of the background generalizes japanese sexuality and gender norms and compares them to the west in a somewhat uncomfortable manner.

[Zoe]

This book presents the artist's 1888 series of woodblock prints called "Fuzoku Sanjuniso" and depicts 32 "types" or "aspects" of women in Japanese society from roughly 1788-1888. The book has a section of informative preface matter on the artist and the role of Japanese women in their society. The next section displays the 32 prints, each one a full-page color reproduction accompanied by a one-page description on the facing page. The layout of the book works well, and this is the type of book that could be looked at again and again for fun, artistic and design inspiration, etc.

[Anna]

Love this book. Not totally happy that my professor made us by her boyfriend's book, but I'm happy to have it as part of my art reference collection.