Relaxed: the appearance of a Kyoto geisha during the Kansei era, No. 2

by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Current Status

Relaxed: the appearance of a Kyoto geisha during the Kansei era, No. 2 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Original Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892) Japanese Woodblock Print
Relaxed: the appearance of a Kyoto geisha during the Kansei era, No. 2

Series; Thirty-Two Aspects of Women
Premium First Edition printing with 3 color cartouche

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.

First Edition Printing - This print comes from the first edition printing of this series, notable for the three color cartouche in the upper corner of each design. Later editions had only one or two colors. First edition prints, especially those in fine condition, are highly sought after by collectors.

Relaxed: the appearance of a Kyoto geisha during the Kansei era, No. 2 - Relaxing after a night of entertainment, the Kyoto geisha in this scene appears somewhat sloppy, something a geisha should never be. With one sleeve pushed up above her elbow, she rests her head on her hand, her other arm flopping limply at her side. Her tissues and purse have been tossed aside haphazardly, a couple of origami cranes resting next to them. Her blue kimono features a pattern of sparrows, gentle creatures symbolizing loyalty. A lovely image of a young woman caught enjoying a casual moment, with fine embossing in the white kimono collar.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Diagonal fold at upper left. Small hole in margin, a couple tiny losses at edge, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Relaxed: the appearance of a Kyoto geisha during the Kansei era, No. 2 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)
Relaxed: the appearance of a Kyoto geisha during the Kansei era, No. 2 by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

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