The Fifth Month (Gogatsu), from the series "The Twelve Months (Juni toki)"

Art Historical Context

Chôbunsai Eishi, a leading ukiyo-e artist Japan's Edo period (1603–1868), *The Fifth Month (Gatsu)* around 1791 as part of his series *The Twelve MonthsJuni toki)*. Eishi was renowned for his bijin-ga—elegant depictions of beautiful women—characterized by graceful figures, refined lines, and subtle color gradations that set him apart from contemporaries like Utam. This chuban-format print (a compact size ideal for affordable albums) captures the seasonal spirit of May (Gogatsu in the lunar calendar), evoking the "floating world" of fleeting pleasures and nature's rhythms central to ukiyo-e culture. Printed using the intricate woodblock technique, where carved blocks were inked and layered for vibrant hues, this work exemplifies the artistry of late 18th-century Japanese printmaking. Multiple artisans collaborated: carvers, printers, and publishers ensured precise registration of colors, allowing mass production for urban audiences in Edo (modern Tokyo). At 25.8 × 19.1 cm, its intimate scale invited personal appreciation, reflecting the democratization of art amid Japan's booming merchant class. Held in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print highlights Eishi's mastery in blending beauty with seasonal symbolism, offering a window into Edo-era customs like spring festivals. Visitors will appreciate its delicate poise, a testament to ukiyo-e's enduring global influence.

About the Artist

Chôbunsai Eishi · 1756–1829

Chôbunsai Eishi, born Hosoda Tokitomi in 1756 to a prosperous samurai family of the Fujiwara clan in Edo, inherited a substantial stipend of 500 koku of rice annually. His grandfather had served as the shogunate's Treasury Minister, and upon his father Hosoda Tokiyuki's death in 1772, Eishi became family head while holding a position in Shogun Tokugawa Ieharu's palace from 1781. Unusually for a uk...