Misayama of the Chöji-ya Brothel House in Her Dressing Room

Catalog note / 解説

As a samurai born into a Hatamoto family, Chöbunsai Eishi was a fitting rival to Utamaro in ukiyo-e bijinga (pictures of beautiful women) of the Kansei era (1789-1801). He created a new sense of individualism in the depiction of dignified and gorgeous beauties. This print features the standing figure of the Yoshiwara courtesan Misayama at night, removing her perfumed amulet from her neck in preparation for retiring. She wears a few layers of kimono nightwear. The outer red garment is perhaps kanoko-shibori (literally, fawn-spot dyeing) made from silk. (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)