The Twenty-four Hours at Shinbashi and Yanagibashi - The Shinbashi and Yanagibashi were famous pleasure quarters in Tokyo. The geisha within were fascinating to the public and numerous series were created detailing the lives they led. Composed of twenty-four prints, each design in this series depicts the activities of a different geisha at a specific hour of the day. It was commissioned and published from 1880 to 1881, with writer-journalist Takabatakae Ransen (1838 - 85) composing the text in the insets on each print. This captivating series by Yoshitoshi strongly cemented his place in the genre of bijin-ga, pictures of beautiful women.

Throughout the series are indicators of the increasing influence of Western cultures on Japan, from the Western-style newspapers mentioned to the very nature of the twenty-four-hour clock itself. This series is an excellent opportunity for those interested in Western culture influences on Japan and for Yoshitoshi collectors alike. Don't miss out on these incredible pieces!

4 p.m. - Geisha Preparing Her Attire - Charming scene of a geisha dressing. She holds a narrow red sash between her teeth as she lifts the edge of her blue and white cotton kimono patterned with waves and delicate gray stripes. She wears a red under robe with a blue collar, her hair pulled back into a simple bun tied with a tie-dyed ribbon. The doorway behind her opens onto a fenced garden with a stone lantern and a pine tree framing the blue sky. An attractive portrait detailed with soft pink shading around the eyes and fine line work in the hair.

Translation of Inset Text -

Her skin rises cool
As Fuji's summit in summer
Through her light gown -
Not quite transparent
As wings of cicada
Wet with dew -
As she lifts her cup high
To avoid refilling
Urged on her by some bumpkin

Working magic with her kerchief,
She catches surplus sake,
Unobtrusively
And has it wrung out when it fills.

Her faithful servant deftly blows moisture
Over a fresh garment
As he presses it,
And when the tayu**
Has completed her attire
He creeps into the banquet room
Like a toad,
And expresses appreciation
For gratuities received.

** Tayu - courtesan of the highest rank in the Yoshiwara during the eighteenth century

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 1/8" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. One small hole, repaired. Very slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.