Images of ideal beauty provided a rich framework for Ukiyo-e artists...

Bijin-ga, or images of beauties, celebrate both real and idealized women. At first the images featured high-ranking courtesans but soon included historic figures, geisha (performers of music and dance), lower-ranked courtesans, fictional characters, notable townswomen, and everyday women. The women are portrayed in different activities and occupations, in public and private settings--doing chores, flirting, performing, writing--always surrounded by an aura of captivating beauty.

Images of ideal beauty provided a rich framework for Ukiyo-e artists, who often depicted women in the most up-to-date fashions and hairstyles. Fads in feminine beauty are also seen in prints of tall statuesque women, robust women of character, petite waif-like ingenues, mature full-bodied beauties, and other types.