Prostitute of Osaka, Left Sheet, c. 1745
Ishikawa Toyonobu; Publisher: Urokogataya Magobeiexpand_more
Woodblock print (beni-e); ink on paper, with hand-applied colorexpand_more
Bequest of Richard P. Galeexpand_more 74.1.59
Not on Viewexpand_more
This print was originally one of a set of three prints. In each print, a young female attendant accompanies a sumptuously dressed woman who is meant to embody one of Japan's major cities: Osaka (shown here), Kyoto, and Edo. In the case of Osaka, the attendant carries a sake ewer and a cup on a ceremonial serving stand. Her mistress seems to be engrossed in a love letter. Each of the prints also bears a poem that associates a flower or tree with the city. In this example, the poem likens the whitened faces of prostitutes to plum blossoms in early springtime:
The setting sun
In the first month
Brings made-up faces of
Plum blossoms.
Details
- Title
- Prostitute of Osaka, Left Sheet
- Artist Life
- 1711 - 1785
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 74.1.59
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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