Portrait of Naniwaya Okita 1796

This woodblock print, created in 1796 by renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro, depicts Naniwaya Okita, a courtesan, holding a teacup. The artwork showcases Utamaro's signature style of depicting beautiful women with delicate features, intricate hairstyles, and elegant clothing. The composition highlights the refined beauty of the subject through a simple, yet striking, portrait, characteristic of Utamaro's "bijin-ga" (pictures of beautiful women). This piece exemplifies Utamaro's mastery of woodblock printing, with a careful use of color and detail to create a realistic and alluring representation of a prominent figure in Edo-period Japanese society.