Eager: the appearance of the courtesan of the Kaei period, No. 21

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Eager: the appearance of the courtesan of the Kaei period, No. 21 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Eager: the appearance of the courtesan of the Kaei period, No. 21

Series; Thirty-Two Aspects of Women (Fuzoku sanjuniso)

Yoshitoshi's Thirty-two Aspects of Women - Yoshitoshi's finest series of bijin-ga or pictures of beautiful women, "Thirty-two Aspects of Women" features portraits of beauties in a lighthearted reference to the thirty-two notable features of Buddha. The women depicted come from all social classes, representing beauties from the late 18th century through Yoshitoshi's own time.

Each design captures a woman in a scene from daily life, realistically and sensitively portrayed as individuals rather than idealized figures. Elegant fabrics are beautifully rendered, and hairstyles and facial features are drawn with the most delicate of lines. The series was beautifully printed using deluxe techniques, such as soft bokashi shading, embossing, and burnishing, creating some of the finest prints of the Meiji era.

"Thirty-two Aspects" proved popular with the public when first published, and has been appreciated by viewers and collectors ever since. Designs in this fantastic series are some of the most highly sought after woodblocks of the Meiji era, and are certainly considered masterworks of Yoshitoshi's career.

Eager: the appearance of the courtesan of the Kaei period, No. 21 - The Japanese title for this print refers to this girl as an oiran, a very high- ranking courtesan. To be entertained by this young beauty would be incredibly expensive. She is shown in her off duty hours, dressed casually in colorful everyday clothes, eager to meet a young admirer. Cherry blossoms falling into the scene indicate that the season is spring time, but also suggest the fragility and passing of youth and beauty. A charming design of a lovely young woman, with delicate embossing in the red under robe and pink obi.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight thinning at upper right corner, repaired. Minor soiling, a few creases near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Eager: the appearance of the courtesan of the Kaei period, No. 21 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Eager: the appearance of the courtesan of the Kaei period, No. 21 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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