Courtesan from the Myōgaya House 1702 - 1722

"Courtesan from the Myōgaya House" is a ukiyo-e woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu I depicting a stylishly dressed courtesan holding a scroll. This print was likely commissioned as a promotional image for the Myōgaya House, a prominent courtesan house in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The vibrant colors and dynamic composition of this print, typical of the Torii school, bring the scene to life and reflect the fascination with urban culture in 18th-century Japan. The print, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the skill and artistry of ukiyo-e printmakers.