Two Entertainers and a Maid c. 1777

"Two Entertainers and a Maid" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Kitao Shigemasa in c. 1777. This work, which is now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies Shigemasa's mastery of depicting the fashionable and elegant figures of Edo-period Japan. The print features three women, two of them entertainers with elaborate hairstyles and traditional garments, and one a maid, all captured in a moment of everyday life. Shigemasa's skillful use of color and fine detail brings the figures to life, showcasing the rich cultural traditions and artistic sensibilities of 18th-century Japan.