Artwork
The Courtesan Aizome of the Ebiya (From the series Eight Views of the Tale of Genji)
The Courtesan Aizome of the Ebiya (From the series Eight Views of the Tale of Genji) is a print by the Romanticist artist Kikukawa Eizan. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1804 woodblock print by Kikukawa Eizan depicts a cityscape, specifically featuring Courtesan Aizome of the Ebiya, as part of the series Eight Views of the Tale of Genji.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases Courtesan Aizome, a figure from 'The Tale of Genji', within an urban setting, likely conveying themes of love, longing, or the life of courtesans, common in Genji adaptations.
Technique & Style
Executed in the ukiyo-e tradition, this print exemplifies Eizan's use of woodblock techniques, characterized by flat perspectives and meticulous detail, typical of early 19th-century Japanese cityscape prints.
History & Provenance
Created around 1804, the print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, indicating its journey from 19th-century Japan to a Western institution.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Kikukawa Eizan was a designer of ukiyo-e style Japanese woodblock prints. He first studied with his father, Eiji, a minor painter of the Kanō school, and subsequently with Suzuki Nanrei (1775–1844), of the Shijō…
Evening Glow at Seta (Seta sekisho), from the series "Fashionable Eight Views of Omi (Furyu Omi hakkei)"
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The Courtesan Meizan of the Chojiya on a Balcony Overlooking the Sumida River
A Lady-in-Waiting with Waist as Slender as a Willow from the series Flowers and Modern Beauties
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Woman Performing the Tea Ceremony
A Picture of the Viewing in the Pleasure Quarters
The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya
青楼美人 六花撰 扇屋内花扇|A Courtesan with Wisteria on the Background
Sanjo Kantaro as a Young Woman Standing in a Wisteria Arbor
Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)
Komachi Washes the Book (from the series Seven Elegant Episodes from the Life of the Poetess Ono no Komachi)
Descending Geese at Katata (From the series Elegant Women and the Eight Views of Lake Biwa)
青楼美人合|The Courtesan Itsuhata with Her Pipe
Iwai Kiyotaro (Edoya) as Okaru (from the series Pictures of Actors Onstage)
Kureha of Gakuiseya, from Selection of Beauties from the Pleasure Quarters
The Courtesan Katakoshigi (?) of Maruebiya with her Kamuro Ageha and Midori