Comments - Fantastic six-panel design illustrating both the upstairs and downstairs of the Owari-ya Teahouse in the Yoshiwara. The top three panels show the beauties enjoying leisure time on the upper level. At top center, a beauty holds a poem slip and brush in hand, an ink stone on the floor beside her, while her companion paints a folding fan. A young attendant sits nearby watching them, holding several branches covered with cherry blossoms. At top left, a girl carries a decorated container, smiling happily up at the two beauties chatting. The bottom three panels show the lower level, with a beauty at right descending the stairs to join her elegantly dressed companions. At bottom center, a courtesan in a blue kimono kneels on the floor, holding a roll of tissues as she chats with a woman resting her hand against a wooden pillar. Behind them, rooms lined with shoji panels extend into the distance, with an upper story holding blue vases, straw-wrapped bundles, and festival decorations. At bottom left, a young girl carries a letter to deliver to one of the beauties. A rare and unusual format depicting life in the Yoshiwara, with a wonderfully detailed architectural setting and lovely color in the kimono and obi. A terrific image.

Artist - Kunisada II (1823 - 1880)

Image Size - 28 1/8" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Six panels, not attached at the seams. Small tears along right edge of bottom center panel, a few additional small tears at edges of other panels, repaired, blends well. Slight creasing and soiling, a couple small faint stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.