couple engaged in intercourse, enveloped in brightly-patterned fabrics; pink fish, ULC; pink teabowl at left; text in two blocks at top center

Teahouse on Nakanocho in Yoshiwara, from Selections from the Brocade Quarter (E-awase kingaishō), c. 1815

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A geisha, dressed elaborately for the cherry blossom festival, with karazuri ('blind printing') on the black and white shibori lining her kosode, is exchanging favors with a customer. At right on a serving tray a fish presented on a porcelain dish, at left is a sake kettle and cup. The dialogue between the pair sets the scene in a ryori-chaya (teahouse restaurant) on the Nakanocho, the main street in the Yoshiwara. She is supposed to only entertain the customer, and she worries about being caught while the customer revels in his indulgences. He comments: "On such an interesting Nakanocho evening, with a sky so beautiful as to make the flowers sing its praises, soliciting a geisha in this place- I'm such a wastrel." She responds: "Stop saying such foolish things and let’s quickly be done. It wouldn't be good if someone were to come by."

Details
Title
Teahouse on Nakanocho in Yoshiwara, from Selections from the Brocade Quarter (E-awase kingaishō)
Artist Life
1787 - 1867
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2014.65.2.6
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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couple engaged in intercourse, enveloped in brightly-patterned fabrics; pink fish, ULC; pink teabowl at left; text in two blocks at top center