Komurasaki of the Tama-ya House

Catalog note / 解説

This work is a good example of a <i>benigirai-e</i> or 'red-hating picture', which uses no red colourant. It is a particular type of <i>benigirai-e</i> that employs a predominantly purple colour and is known as a <i>murasaki-e</i> (or 'purple picture'). <i>Benigirai-e</i> were characterised by a more muted palette than <i>nishiki-e</i> (brocade prints). They were popular in the late Tenmei era (1781-9). Unusual among works showing a parading courtesan is the presence of a young man, apparently the courtesan's guest. This print follows the style of the artist's master, Eishi, so closely that if it were not for the signature, one might easily mistake it for the master's work. Nothing is known…