The Courtesan Kisegawa of Matsubaya 1796

"The Courtesan Kisegawa of Matsubaya" (1796) by Eishōsai Chōki is a ukiyo-e print depicting a courtesan seated with a book in her lap. She is dressed in elegant, brightly colored garments typical of the Edo period. The composition is simple but elegant, showcasing the subject against a plain, light yellow background. The design features the courtesan's name and the location of the brothel she belonged to, Matsubaya. The print is a prime example of the artist's style, known for its fine detail and subtle use of color. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, provides a glimpse into the life of a courtesan in Edo period Japan.