Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print—a woman with the figure of Hyottoko, 20th century

A delicate Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print depicting a young woman and Hyottoko—one of the most recognizable figures in Japanese folklore. Hyottoko, with his distinctive red face and comical expression, has its roots in traditional folk performances and theater, and remains an important motif in Japanese culture to this day.

The composition is rendered in the bijin-ga style—depictions of beautiful women. The artist juxtaposes the woman’s calm, almost melancholic face with the expressive figure of Hyottoko, creating an interesting contrast between elegance and the grotesque, subtlety and folk humor.

The decorative quality of the work is noteworthy—soft color transitions, intricately rendered hair, and a richly adorned kimono with floral motifs. The work’s aesthetic references classic Edo-period woodblock prints, though the piece itself most likely dates from the 20th century.

Technique: Japanese color woodblock print (nishiki-e).
Subject matter: bijin-ga, Japanese folklore, Hyottoko.
Period: 20th century.
Condition: good, as shown in the photos.

Dimensions: 25.7 x 39 cm.