Looking thirsty - The Appearance of a Town Geisha, a Bargirl in the Ansei Era 

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, a prominent Japanese artist of the late Edo period, is known for his powerful woodblock prints, such as “Looking thirsty - The Appearance of a Town Geisha, a Bargirl in the Ansei Era.” The print depicts a young geisha, a professional entertainer, dressed in a vibrant kimono holding a cup of sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine. This work captures the beauty and allure of geishas, who played an important role in Japanese society during the Ansei era (1854–1860). Yoshitoshi’s signature use of strong lines and bold colors brings this scene to life, showcasing the artist’s mastery of ukiyo-e, the genre of Japanese woodblock prints.