A prostitute at a teahouse called Kasei-mise (moatside brothels) located on the east and west side in Yoshiwara. It is said that the price to engage with women at such area was much cheaper than in central Yoshiwara, the famous red-light district of Edo.

The series title appears in the upper left. 'Hokoku' (北国) refers to Yoshiwara’s location north of Edo Castle, and 'Goshiki-zumi' (五色墨), literally 'five shades of black', is understood to be indicating five 'rankings' of the ladies in the series.

The scene of picking her teeth with toothpick in such posture is not elegant at all, hinting at her lower status as a prostitute. The small bag hanging from her neck is incense to mask body odor.

Utamaro depicted not only high-class courtesans but also women of this type.