Courtesan carrying a decorated tray
early to mid–1820s
Medium
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
Dimensions
21 × 18.3 cm (8 5/16 × 7 1/4 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81049
Art Historical Context
In the bustling Yoshiwara pleasure district of Edo-period Japan (modern-day Tokyo), Totoya Hokkei captures the elegance of a courtesan in his color woodblock print *Courtesan Carrying aated Tray* from the early to mid-182s. Hokkei, a skilled ukiyo-e artist and of the master Katsushika Hokusai, specialized in bijin-ga (images of beautiful women) and scenes of daily life. Here, the graceful figure balances a lacquered tray adorned with seasonal motifs, her kimono flowing with intricate patterns that reflect the "floating world" of fleeting pleasures and refined urban culture. This shikishiban s...
About the Artist
Totoya Hokkei · 1780–1850
Totoya Hokkei (魚屋 北渓, 1780–1850), born Iwakubo Tatsuyuki in Edo (modern Tokyo), began his life as a humble fishmonger in the Yotsuya Samegahashi district, a trade reflected in his art name "Totoya," meaning fish shop. He transitioned to art through rigorous training, first studying under Kanō Yōsen'in Korenobu, head of the Kobikichō branch of the prestigious Kanō school, where he honed landscape p...