Courtesan and Attendant with a Cage of Fireflies 1760 - 1780

This ukiyo-e print, "Courtesan and Attendant with a Cage of Fireflies," by Ippitsusai Bunchō depicts two figures against a backdrop of lanterns and flowering vines. The courtesan, adorned in elaborate garments, adjusts her elaborate hair ornament, while her attendant delicately holds a cage filled with fireflies. The work, created between 1760 and 1780, showcases the artist's skill in capturing the beauty and elegance of Edo-era Japanese life, offering a glimpse into the world of geisha and their patrons.