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 many woodblock print series were created detailing the lives they led. Each design in this 24-print series depicts the activities of a different geisha at a specific hour of the day. Published in 1880, the writer-journalist Takabatakae Ransen (1838 - 85) composed 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 the rapid changes taking place in Japan during the Meiji era, and for Yoshitoshi collectors alike. Don't miss out on these incredible pieces!

6 a.m. - Geisha Adjusting Her Hood - Attractive image of a geisha tying a purple scarf around her head as a hood, preparing to go out into the cool early morning air as she parts from her lover. She wears a striped coat and matching kimono edged with a black collar, a roll of tissues wrapped around a purse tucked into her green obi. A charming portrait.

Translation of Inset Text:

They may say he comes and goes
Into the room,
Not really four-and-one-half mats,
By the alley door,
As if he were a tea aficionado.
That's better than meeting with him
Like a kept woman.

It's rather like the tart taste
Of whipped tea rolled around in the mouth,
Followed by a sweet softening kiss,
As the kettle comes to a boil,
And later the fire in the brazier
Slowly cools and subsides
As dawn whitens
And the lovers reluctantly part.

If the newspapers get wind of it,
They will say spiteful things.
There may be a scandal tomorrow,
But I am strong.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse near top corners from previous mounting. A few small wormholes, repaired. Slight toning a few marks. Please see photos for details.