Utamaro II Kitagawa, Courtesan Yosooi of Matsubaya, Edo Beauty
Artist: Utamaro II Kitagawa (c.1800s-1830s)
Title: Courtesan Yosooi of Matsubaya(松葉屋の内 粧い)
Publisher: Yamaguchiya Tobei
Date: c.1810s-1820s
Size: 38.5 x 24.6 cm
Original Japanese woodblock print.
Courtesans of Edo period Japan were not only skilled in serving a male customer, but they were also experts in dance, music, conversation, and other kinds of entertainment. They operated within the licensed quarters, such as the Yoshiwara district. They had a complex system of ranks, etiquette, and procedures. A courtesan would earn her funds not only for herself, but also for her entire entourage, e.g. attendants, younger courtesans-in-training.
This courtesan's hair is done in elaborate manner with large hairpins called kanzashi. These were often made from tortoiseshell, silver, gold and gemstones, worn in a number of heavily-waxed hairstyles.
Utamaro II Kitagawa
Utamaro II was the pupil of the renowned Utamaro I, and worked closely with his master until his death in 1806. His style was remarkably true to his teacher's, and even worked on creating Utamaro I's prints when he was not fit or well enough to carry out the work. On Utamaro I's death, the previously known Koikawa Shuncho stepped into his master's shoes, becoming Utamaro II. Until 1820, he signed prints with the same signature as his predecessor, but thereafter began signing prints as Kitagawa Tetsugoro.Print Format | Oban (Vertical) |
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Artist | Utamaro II Kitagawa |
Subject | Beauty & Female, Male & Female, Kimono Design |
Dimensions | 38.5 x 24.6 cm |
Condition Report | Wear and soiling, slightly trimmed, partly rubbing, tears and holes restored, worn-out. |
Folders | In Store, DC |