The courtesan Kashiku of the Tsuruya with two child attendants
c. 1824/29
Medium
Color woodblock print; sheet from oban triptych
Dimensions
38.6 × 26.3 cm (15 1/4 × 10 3/8 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
158636
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan (1603–1868), Kikukawaizan (1787–1867) captured the allure of the "floating world" with his exquisite ukiyo-e woodblock prints. This striking sheet from an *oban* triptych, titled *The Courtesan Kashiku of Tsuruya with Two Attendants* (c. 1824/29), showcases one of Yoshiwara's celebrated courtesans Kashiku, elegantly poised with her young attendants, embodies the refined beauty and poise idealized in *bijin-ga* (pictures of beautiful women), Eizan's specialty. Her elaborate kimono and accessories highlight the opulent fashion of the pleasure district, a ...
About the Artist
Kikukawa Eizan · 1787–1867
Kikukawa Eizan (1787–1867), born Toshinobu Ōmiya in Edo (modern Tokyo), emerged as a pivotal figure in ukiyo-e woodblock printing during Japan's late Edo period. He began his training under his father, Eiji Kikugawa, a minor painter and fan maker in the Kanō school tradition, before advancing to study with Suzuki Nanrei of the Shijō school and the ukiyo-e artist Totoya Hokkei, a pupil of Katsushik...