Courtesan Oriwae (small child looking in mirror at back)
late 18th century - ca. 1806
Utamaro, the undisputed king of ukiyo-e 'beautiful woman' prints, captures a moment of high-fashion drama here featuring two towering courtesans from the famous Chojiya house. Their kimonos sweep the floor in exaggerated, elongated proportions that became his signature late style, with the woman on the right shielding her eyes as if scanning the horizon for a lover. In the background, a young apprentice practices her own beauty routine in a mirror, adding a charming layer of 'getting ready' narrative to this glamorous snapshot of Edo-period nightlife.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper
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