Courtesan and Cherry Branch 1786

"Courtesan and Cherry Branch" is a painting by Toriyama Sekien, a prominent Japanese artist of the Edo period. The work depicts a courtesan in an elaborate kimono with a delicate cherry branch in the upper right corner. The painting's muted colors and fine lines, characteristic of Sekien's style, create an elegant and refined atmosphere. The composition highlights the graceful figure of the courtesan, showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese dress and the transient nature of the cherry blossoms. This painting is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago and is a valuable example of Sekien's mastery of ukiyo-e, the popular art style of the Edo period.