A Beauty Views the Moon

Uemura Shoen (1875-1949) was born in Kyoto and specialised in paintings of beautiful women. She is also known for being the first woman to be awarded the Order of Cultural Merit. Hung mosquito net: dare I unhook a corner to view the moon? This haiku suggests, just after hanging a mosquito net, that the woman has unhooked a corner to allow her to gaze directly at the unveiled  moon. The artist, however, sees no need to paint the moon itself. Rather, to evoke a scene of vibrant beauty, Shōen shows its effect in the animated face and graceful posture of a woman who stands trailing an unlined kimono. With great skill, painting a moment in the everyday life of a woman, the artist vividly depicts delight on a summer night.