Artwork

吉原仲の町花魁道中|Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō in Yoshiwara

吉原仲の町花魁道中|Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō in Yoshiwara is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō in Yoshiwara is a triptych woodblock print created by Utagawa Toyokuni I around 1795. The work is a genre scene, depicting everyday life in the Yoshiwara district.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a procession of courtesans in elaborate attire, carrying various items such as fans and lanterns, against a backdrop of buildings and a distant bridge. The scene captures the vibrant atmosphere of Nakanochō, a street in Yoshiwara known for its high-end courtesans.

Technique & Style

The artist employs cross-hatching, using repeated fine lines to achieve shading and texture, giving the figures and surroundings a detailed appearance. The use of soft colors and delicate lines adds to the overall effect of the scene.

History & Provenance

The print is held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Created circa 1795, it is an example of Utagawa Toyokuni I's work during the late 18th century.