Courtesan Looking out a Window, 1862

A Master Text of Popular Songs - Attractive design from Kunichika's early series "A Master Text of Popular Songs." Published from 1862 - 1863, this charming series features portraits of courtesans in a variety of handsomely detailed settings. The songs referred to in the title are called hauta, a form of popular music accompanied by the shamisen, which were quite fashionable during the Edo era. Each design includes an open songbook with text across the top of the page. Nicely drawn with fine line work and a wealth of detail, these attractively colored images offer a wonderful look inside the world of courtesans in the Edo era.

Courtesan Looking out a Window, 1862 - Charming portrait of a courtesan with a partially unrolled letter in her hand looking out a round window, smiling happily. Her two kimono feature colorful autumn maple leaves and swirling currents of water, worn over a red under robe, her hair adorned with a ribbon and hairpins. An attractive design from Kunisada's rarely seen series pairing beauties with popular songs, with an inset in the form of a book with text above.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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

Condition - Excellent detail. Backed with paper.