In 1890, Blum was commissioned to illustrate a series of articles entitle Japoniaca written by Sir Edwin Arnold for Scribners magazine. From 1890 to 1892, the artist lived in Japan and visually recorded the diversity of Japanese life in numerous paintings, pastels, and drawings. A Japanese Woman is one of the pastels Blum executed during this sojourn.

This pastel was executed circa 1891-92.