Oiran Hanaogi 1794

"Oiran Hanaogi" (1794) is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806). The artwork depicts an oiran, a high-ranking courtesan in Edo-period Japan, dressed in elaborate robes and holding a decorative fan. The print's elegant composition, with its emphasis on the oiran's delicate features and richly patterned clothing, exemplifies Utamaro's signature style, known for its refined beauty and focus on female beauty. Utamaro was a master of the ukiyo-e style, which captured the fleeting pleasures of the floating world, making his prints incredibly popular among the Edo-era public.