Large Head and Bust Portrait of the Oiran Hanaogi of Ogiya. 1796 - 1800

Chōkōsai Eishō created this woodblock print of the Oiran Hanaogi of Ogiya in the late 18th century. Ukiyo-e prints like this one are known for their sophisticated use of line and color, achieved through a labor-intensive process of carving woodblocks. Each color you see here required a separate block, carefully aligned and printed to create the final image. The smooth, unblemished skin of the Oiran is a product of the woodblock's surface, while the flowing lines of her hair and clothing would have demanded meticulous carving skills. The print's delicate colors, achieved with natural dyes, speak to the artisans' mastery of their materials and their knowledge of color mixing. This exquisite portrait speaks to the high level of craft involved in every stage of production, and to the demand for skilled labor in the ukiyo-e industry during this period. Considering the material qualities and production process allows us to appreciate the complex social dynamics and the skillful labor involved in creating such a seemingly simple image, and appreciate the print as more than just a decorative object.