Artwork

「丁子屋畧見世」|The Chōjiya Pleasure House by Day (Chōjiya hiru-mise)

「丁子屋畧見世」|The Chōjiya Pleasure House by Day (Chōjiya hiru-mise), by Chōkōsai Eishō, ink, 1798
「丁子屋畧見世」|The Chōjiya Pleasure House by Day (Chōjiya hiru-mise), by Chōkōsai Eishō, ink, 1798

「丁子屋畧見世」|The Chōjiya Pleasure House by Day (Chōjiya hiru-mise) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Chōkōsai Eishō. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This triptych woodblock print, created around 1798, showcases the interior of a pleasure house during Japan's Edo period. The artist, Chōkōsai Eishō, was a prominent ukiyo-e printmaker active in the late 18th century.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three women in intricately designed kimonos seated in a room, with a bird flying above them. The scene captures the daily life and atmosphere of a pleasure house, conveying an air of elegance and refinement.

Technique & Style

Eishō's work is characterized by its use of ink and color on paper, with a focus on detailed designs and luxurious textures. The triptych format allows for a broad, panoramic scene, while the light yellow background and Japanese characters add context to the image.

History & Provenance

Chōkōsai Eishō, a student of the artist Eishi, was prolific during his career, producing nearly 200 surviving works between 1792 and 1799. He worked with various publishers, including Yamaguchiya Chūsuke.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Chōkōsai Eishō

Artist

Chōkōsai Eishō

Chōkōsai Eishō (鳥高斎 栄昌, fl. 1790s) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist. He also used the name Shōeidō (昌栄堂). Eishō's personal details are unknown. His works that remain show a practised skill, so it is likely that they…