Artwork

Seiryu Edo|Courtesan District of Edo

Seiryu Edo|Courtesan District of Edo, by Chôbunsai Eishi, ink, 1792
Seiryu Edo|Courtesan District of Edo, by Chôbunsai Eishi, ink, 1792

Seiryu Edo|Courtesan District of Edo is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Chôbunsai Eishi. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Seiryu Edo|Courtesan District of Edo is a 1792 woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi, created using ink and color on paper within the ukiyo-e tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a scene from Edo's courtesan district, focusing on the interaction between four women, likely courtesans or bijin (beautiful persons), and a seated man, possibly a client. The composition highlights the women's elegance and the man's subdued presence.

Technique & Style

Eishi employed bold, swirling kimono patterns with dark outlines and intricate floral and geometric designs, contrasting with the man's simple robe. The use of bright colors and plain background emphasizes the figures, while subtle details like cross-hatching add texture.

History & Provenance

Chōbunsai Eishi, formerly a samurai with a 500 koku stipend under the Shōgun, left to pursue art under Kano Eisen'in Michinobu's tutelage. This work reflects his shift towards ukiyo-e, particularly bijin-ga, portraits of graceful, tall women.

Context

Produced in 1792, the print captures a moment in Edo's (now Tokyo) flourishing courtesan culture, reflecting the societal intrigue and aesthetic values of late 18th-century Japan.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of *Seiryu Edo|Courtesan District of Edo* are not widely documented, it contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in capturing Edo's social landscapes and influencing subsequent Japanese and international art movements.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Chôbunsai Eishi

Artist

Chôbunsai Eishi

Chōbunsai Eishi (鳥文斎 栄之; 1756–1829) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. His last name was Hosoda (細田). His first name was Tokitomi (時富). His common name was Taminosuke (民之丞) and later Yasaburo (弥三郎). Pupil of Kano Eisen'in…