Skip to main content

Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners

This series of 32 prints was published by Tsunashima Kamekichi in 1888. It depicts a chronological survey from the Kansei era (1789-1800) to the Meiji era (1860-1912) of women of different backgrounds and occupations, each associated with a particular mood or character trait.

The word for ‘Aspect’ or ‘Type’ or ‘Appearance’ (sô) had been famously used by earlier artists such as Utamaro and Kunisada. It was a technical term borrowed from physiognomists who analysed character on the basis of physical facial features. It could also mean ‘flower’, referring to bijin (female beauties).

University of Cambridge Museums logo
Arts Council England Logo
Research England logo
The Technology Partnership logo