Making Ornaments for the Tanabata Festival - Isoda Koryūsai

A refined Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Isoda Koryūsai depicting two women preparing paper ornaments for the traditional Tanabata festival.

This woodblock print by Isoda Koryūsai depicts a quiet domestic scene centred on the preparations for the Tanabata festival. The composition features two women in traditional kimono, one standing while holding a child, and the other kneeling to work on paper ornaments. The Tanabata festival, or Star Festival, involves writing wishes on small strips of paper, which are then tied to bamboo branches. This print captures the focused, everyday nature of these preparations.

Koryūsai, a former samurai who became a prolific printmaker, is known for his refined depictions of women and his mastery of the nishiki-e, or brocade print, technique. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochres, muted reds, and earthy tones that reflect the aged paper of the original print. The lines are delicate and precise, defining the folds of the kimono and the gentle expressions of the figures. The background is minimal, suggesting an interior space with a bamboo screen, which directs the viewer's attention to the interaction between the two women.

As an example of the Ukiyo-e genre, this work provides a glimpse into the customs of the Edo period. The print avoids excessive ornamentation, favouring a balanced arrangement that emphasises the human element of the festival tradition. The artist uses subtle shading and clear outlines to create a sense of depth within the flat pictorial space. This piece is representative of Koryūsai's ability to elevate mundane activities into subjects of aesthetic interest through careful composition and a disciplined approach to colour application.