Artwork
『雛形若菜初模様 玉や内 しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜初模様 玉や内 しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Isoda Koryūsai. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1778 woodblock print by Isoda Koryūsai depicts three women in vibrant kimonos, posed closely together. Part of the series 'Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō' ('A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs'), it is now in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases three courtesans, including Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, highlighting their attire and interactions. The scene conveys the elegance and daily life of courtesans during the late Edo period.
Technique & Style
Koryūsai employed bold, vibrant colors and simple, textured lines to render the kimonos’ patterns, such as the orange and cream floral motifs, pink and white simplicity, and red-and-black checks. The traditional hairstyles and minimal shading emphasize the flat, two-dimensional aesthetic characteristic of ukiyo-e prints.
History & Provenance
Created in 1778, this work is attributed to Isoda Koryūsai. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.
Context
Part of a series focused on 'first designs' of the year, this print reflects the seasonal and fashionable themes common in 18th-century Japanese ukiyo-e, catering to the growing urban audience’s interest in courtesan culture and high fashion.
Legacy
As part of Koryūsai’s oeuvre, the print contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in capturing Edo-period lifestyles, influencing subsequent art movements, and remaining a valued example of late 18th-century Japanese printmaking.
Artist & collection
『雛形若菜初模様 四ツ目屋内 にしき木』|The Courtesan Nishikigi of the Yotsumeya Brothel, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜の初模様 つるや内 すがたみ』|The Courtesan Sugatami of the Tsuruya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜の初模様 扇屋内 からうた』|The Courtesan Karauta of the Ōgiya Brothel, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyō”)
『雛形若菜の初模様 つたや内 人まち』|The Courtesan Hitomachi of the Tsutaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyō”)
鳥居清長画 「雛形若菜の初模様 丁子屋の若草・ あさの・みどり」|The Courtesan Wakakusa of the Chōjiya Brothel, and Attendants Asano and Midori, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (Hinagata wakana no hatsumoyō)
礒田湖竜斎画「雛形若菜初模様 四ツ目屋内 さよぎぬ」|The Courtesan Sayoginu of the Yotsumeya Brothel, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō)