One of the six Okubi-e series titled Mutama-gawa (six Jewel Rivers), depicting courtesans in the Yoshiwara. The theme of this one is 'Kouya no Tamagawa (高山玉川)'. Each of the six courtesans has been paired with one of the rivers, which are in locations all over the country. The one in this design is on the Kii Peninsula.

Utamaro emphasized her sloping shoulders and elongated neck, both considered essential aspects of beauty at that time. She angles her head and elegantly exhales smoke without pursing her lips. The drifting smoke flowing from her lips is well depicted.

The poem in the upper right reads about the sentimental feeling of a man: "Although my visit to Yoshiwara is like drinking poison, I can't resist and am now again on the way to visit her via the Sanya river." (The Sanya river leads to Yoshiwara.) In those days it was a common knowledge that poisonous worms were believed to inhabit the Tama River in Kii. The writer of the poem is Hajintei Hikaru (巴人亭光).

毒の玉河とおもへとわすれてハ 又漕いるゝさんや堀哉 巴人亭光