Beauties in a spring storm - Keisai Eisen

by Accessible Art

A well-known piece of the bijin-ga genre, this captivating ukiyo-e woodblock print by master Keisai Eisen depicts an idealized feminine beauty interacting with the erratic force of nature. The piece, titled "Beauties in a Spring Storm," is part of the series "Beauties in the Spring Wind." It shows a graceful courtesan protecting herself from the weather behind a cherry blossom tree. A sense of movement, drama, and seasonal transience permeates the picture as tiny sakura petals drift across the ground and air due to the whirling gale.
Eisen's rendition of elaborate textile designs and flowing draperies is a work of extraordinary artistic talent. The lady leans forward, gripping her collar against the wind as her multi-layered kimono swirls around her torso. Bold red peonies and scrolling arabesque designs adorn her outer garment, which is fastened with an eye-catching checkered belt and reveals an undergarment dotted with golden flowers. Amber combs hold her elaborate coiffure in place, and wooden geta clogs steady her position against the wind. Eisen strikes a balance between the sensuality and beauty of the floating world and the ferocious intensity of the spring storm through flowing shapes, delicate color blocks, and ornamental patterning.