‘Courtesan Goke of the Asahiya’ from ‘Six famous Beauties’ by Utamaro.

It may sound strange that her name is widow (Goke). In this image, her appearance is that of a typical woman, but in other versions of this design from Utamaro her eyebrows are shaved, which is a practice typical of a widow.

The rebus image at the top left indicates the name of the courtesan: Sunrise (Asahi), Go board (Go) and Hair (Ke).

The cloth around her hairdo and her posture holding a Japanese towel (Tenugui) imply that she has just come from the bath.

The straggling hairs at her temple and neck add the charm of a mature woman.