Artwork

Tsukasa and Other Courtesans of the Ogiya Watching the Autumn Moon Rise Over Rice Fields from a Balcony in the Yoshiwara

Tsukasa and Other Courtesans of the Ogiya Watching the Autumn Moon Rise Over Rice Fields from a Balcony in the Yoshiwara is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This print captures a serene evening scene at the Ogiya teahouse in Edo's Yoshiwara district.

About this work

The painting shows women on a balcony watching the moon rise over rice fields.

The painting shows women on a balcony watching the moon rise over rice fields.
They are courtesans from the Ogiya teahouse in the Yoshiwara district of Edo.
The women's robes and the serene evening create a poetic atmosphere.

The scene is special because it's a private print, made just for a few people.
It's a surimono, a type of print that was often given as a gift.

You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, 1760–1849)

Overview

This print captures a serene evening scene at the Ogiya teahouse in Edo's Yoshiwara district. Courtesans and their attendants gather on a balcony to watch the autumn moon rise over the surrounding rice fields.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts two courtesans, accompanied by a geisha and a shinzō, enjoying the full moon. The elegant robes and tranquil atmosphere evoke a poetic mood, enhanced by an accompanying poem that reflects on the liveliness of the gathering.

Technique & Style

As a surimono, a privately commissioned print, this work was likely created as a gift. The style is reminiscent of other Japanese artists, such as Katsushika Hokusai, who worked in a similar tradition.

History & Provenance

The Ogiya teahouse was a fashionable establishment in Edo's Yoshiwara district, known for its high-end courtesans. The print offers a glimpse into the leisure activities of this exclusive environment.