Item from the Mokuhankan Flea Market

Courtesans of the 3 Cities

Size: 32.0cm by 47.0cm (12.60 in by 18.50 in) | Enlargement | Shipping Code: [XL] ?

Designer: Torii Kiyomasu

Era: Early Showa | Currency: $ / £ / €

Price: ¥ 15,000$ 115.00£ 88.25€ 105.00

  

Description: This rare uncut single-sheet print, originally intended as a triptych, showcases three Tayu's (top-ranked courtesans) from Japan's licensed quarters, representing three of its major cities.

On the right is Takao, a courtesan from the Miura-ya House in Yoshiwara, Edo. The middle figure is Handayu of the Ichimonji-ya House in Shimbara, Kyoto, while the left portrays Yugiri of the Ibaraki-ya House in Shin-machi, Osaka. Each woman is dressed to display both her personal charm and the splendor of her dress. Handayu and Yugiri are adorned in formal oiran (high-ranking courtesan) attire, with the wide, hard obi sash tied in an elaborate knot at the breast. Takao wears the narrower, softer shigoki sash, wound around her waist, reflecting the difference in fashion traditions between the cities.

The print is classified as an urushi-e (lacquer black picture), a black monochrome print, with a few painted colors added by hand. The use of copper dust to mimic the sheen of gold, creates a shimmering effect with a luxurious feel.

This version is a post-war reproduction by Adachi Company.

This print has slight creases. Also, there are a few traces of glue removal on the backside.

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