Looking dark - The appearance of a wife during the Meiji era

"Looking dark - The appearance of a wife during the Meiji era" is a compelling ukiyo-e print from Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s 1888 series, "Thirty-Two Aspects of Customs and Manners." This portrait vividly captures the somber mood and intricate details of a wife’s appearance in the societal context of the Meiji period. Through masterful woodblock printing, Yoshitoshi offers a glimpse into the daily life and cultural aesthetics of women at that time, illustrating both traditional values and evolving identities amidst a rapidly changing Japan. The artwork stands as a significant example of how ukiyo-e articulates personal and social narratives.