Okita of Naniwa-ya Teahouse

Catalog note / 解説

Okita, one of the three famed Edo "Beauties" of the late eighteenth century, was a waitress in the Naniwa-ya teahouse at Asakusa. Michener stated, "Utamaro's women relay the charm he constantly saw in the women he so lovingly drew. They are alluring, delightful and evocative." She wears a gray kimono with an intricately flowered black sash. The darker colors, such as black, gray, and brown convey the elegant eighteenth century sense of fashion. Ukiyo-e prints functioned like fashion magazines, spreading chic urban style throughout the country. (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)