Comments - Incredible interior view of the elegant and wealthy Ogiya, the principal brothel in the Yoshiwara district during the Edo era. A variety of activities can be seen in this fantastic design as courtesans prepare to celebrate New Year's Day. In the first panel, straw-wrapped casks of sake are stacked beneath the staircase, as excited beauties look down on the activity from the upper floor. At right, several beauties clean and stack small lacquer trays for the evening's refreshments while another ties a cord around a storage box. At left, courtesans wander about the rooms, some gathered around a kettle atop a brazier at lower left, while in smaller room above, a beauty applies makeup using a hand mirror. Beautifully colored and detailed, with a wonderful architectural setting. A fascinating peek inside the world of the Yoshiwara. Rarely seen in reprint.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 19 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few holes and thinning spots. Slight toning and soiling, a few stains and creases, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.