Artwork
The Courtesan Karauta of Chojiya Reading a Book (from the series Six Authors of the Green Houses)
The Courtesan Karauta of Chojiya Reading a Book (from the series Six Authors of the Green Houses) is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print is one of a series titled Six Authors of the Green Houses, created by Kitagawa Utamaro around 1794. It is a representation of a courtesan engaged in a literary activity.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Karauta, a courtesan from the Chojiya house, depicted reading a book. Courtesans held a high social status in Japan at the time, valued for their cultural refinement and intellectual pursuits.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Utamaro's attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of the courtesan's traditional Japanese attire and her surroundings.
History & Provenance
The print is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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The Courtesan Tsukioka of Hyogoya Rolling a Letter (from the series A Selection of Six Authors in the Green Houses)
The Courtesan Aizome of the Ebiya (From the series Eight Views of the Tale of Genji)
The Courtesan Writing from a Book from the series A Collection of Beautiful Women of the Yoshiwara
The Courtesan (From A Collection of Beautiful Women of the Yoshiwara)
Kureha of Gakuiseya, from Selection of Beauties from the Pleasure Quarters
鳥文斎栄之画 「青楼美人六花仙 丁子屋雛鶴鸖」|The Courtesan Hinazuru of the Chōjiya Brothel (Chōjiya Hinazuru), from the series Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters as Six Floral Immortals (Seirō bijin rokkasen)
The Courtesan Moshio Reading a Book
The Courtesan Takigawa of Ogiya (from the series Seven Aspects of Komachi in the Green Houses)