Courtesan Or Actor As Courtesan Pouring Tea
Technique: Giclée quality print
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This woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni depicts what appears to be a courtesan, or possibly an actor dressed as one, in the midst of pouring tea. The character is shown seated on the floor with her legs folded under her. She wears an elaborate kimono adorned with intricate patterns and a bold, flowery design, highlighting the typical style and elegance associated with courtesans of the Edo period in Japan.Her hair is styled in a sophisticated updo, punctuated with hairpins, which complements her delicate facial features and poised expression. The courtesan is captured in the act of carefully pouring tea from a small teapot into a cup, showcasing a moment of daily life but performed with grace and elegance that typifies the artist's portrayal of beauty and culture during that time.Beside her is a heater (hibachi), which is likely used to keep the tea warm, emphasizing the courtesan's role in hospitality and entertainment. The setting is intimate, focusing solely on the figure and her immediate surroundings, without any background details to distract from her form and actions.
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Utagawa Toyokuni (1769-1825) was a prominent Japanese woodblock printmaker and painter of the Edo period. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), he was the chief disciple of Utagawa Toyoharu, a well-respected printmaker. He specialized in kabuki theater prints, which depicted famous actors in performances and featured dramatic scenes from plays. In addition to kabuki theater prints, Toyokuni also produced portraits of geishas, landscapes, and scenes from everyday life. He eventually became a leading master of the Utagawa School.