Hosoda Eishi, born in 1756, was a master of Ukiyo-e, starting his artistic journey from a privileged samurai family. Also known by his artist name Chōbunsai Eishi, he was not only a significant painter but also a pioneering printmaker of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Eishi was born into a wealthy family, which allowed him a comfortable lifestyle. He received an annual rice stipend of 500 Koku, roughly equal to 90,000 liters of rice, reflecting his high social status and income. Initially, Eishi studied painting at the Kano school under the famous master Eisen Michinobu. However, his career took a significant turn when he was inspired by the works of Torii Bunryusai and moved to the popular art of Ukiyo-e.
His artistic work mainly featured portraits of beautiful women, known as Bijin-ga, characterized by their elegant and graceful appearance. Eishi often competed with his famous contemporary Kitagawa Utamaro. Both artists created images of long-limbed, slender women with unnaturally long necks, a style highly popular in Ukiyo-e art.
Eishi's work stood out due to his innovative use of color prints and his ability to capture the essence of women in the Yoshiwara entertainment district of Edo. A notable example of his work is the triptych "Snow, Moon, and Cherry Blossoms (Yoshiwara in Three Seasons)," which showcases different seasons and their unique beauty.
In the late 1790s, Eishi returned to painting after ending his printmaking activities and taught many students in both painting and printmaking. This return to painting also marked a return to his aristocratic roots, as Ukiyo-e was then considered less prestigious than traditional painting.
Although Eishi's original woodblock prints are rare today, they remain sought after, especially when in good condition and featuring interesting subjects. His influence and works have left a lasting impact on the art world, providing a fascinating insight into the culture and society of Japan's Edo period.
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