Edo-Kyoto-Osaka: Courtesans of the Three Capitals

Date1725–1730

Mediumwoodblock print; ink on paper; hand-colored; beni-e, urushi-e with brass filings

Dimensionshoso-e: 29.2 x 46.1 cm (11 1/2 x 18 1/8 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

MarkingsPublisher Mark: Esoshi iroiro oroshi (wholesale of various ukiyo-e) Mark of Iga-ya, Motohama-cho, Iga-ya han [in sash-shaped cartouche (obi-gata hyoki)

Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

Terms

Object number1901.1124

Label TextThe Courtesans are shown as representatives of the life of their cities At the right is a courtesan of Edo, dressed in a kimono with a pine and origami tsuru design and an uchikake with a design of phoenixes; her boy attendant (with shaved head) wears a kimono with a tea utensil design.In the middle is a Kyoto courtesan, dressed in a checkered kimono with an uchikake decorated with a cherry blossom and pine design; her girl attendant wears a kimono with a river and maple design.At the left is an Osaka courtesan, dressed in a kimono with a plum design and an uchikake with a design of bridges and irises; her boy attendant wears a kimono with a swallow design.ProvenanceJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection, -1901

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