noun
sketch from life; drawing of real people or nature
Only when written 写し絵
A drawing or painting that faithfully copies a real scene, person, or natural object. Often implies direct observation rather than imagination.
彼は旅先で見た風景を写し絵にした。
He made a sketch from life of the scenery he saw on his trip.
noun
magic-lantern picture; shadowgraph; copying picture for children
Historical term for pictures projected by a magic lantern (幻灯), or simple outline pictures for children to trace or copy. Also refers to shadow pictures made by hand gestures.
江戸時代には、写し絵と呼ばれる影絵芝居が楽しまれた。
During the Edo period, a shadow play called utsushie was enjoyed.
子どもは写し絵をなぞって絵の練習をした。
The child practiced drawing by tracing a copying picture.
noun
mirror image; metaphorical depiction
Only when written 写し絵
Used figuratively to describe something that reflects or represents another thing, such as a work of art mirroring society. Often appears in literary or critical contexts.
この小説は現代社会の写し絵だ。
This novel is a mirror image of contemporary society.
Compound of 写し (copy, reflection) + 絵 (picture). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since the Edo period for various forms of copied or projected images.