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.
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.
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.
He made a sketch from life of the scenery he saw on his trip.
During the Edo period, a shadow play called utsushie was enjoyed.
The child practiced drawing by tracing a copying picture.
This novel is a mirror image of contemporary society.
Standard kanji spelling for the general meaning of a sketch or copy from life. Also used for the metaphorical sense.
Alternate spelling emphasizing projection or reflection, used for magic-lantern pictures and shadowgraphs.
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.