A Selection of Beauty from the Pleasure Quarters (Seiro bisen awase): Misayama of the Chojiya in Night Dress (Tokogi no zu - Chojiya Misayama) c. 1796

Chōbunsai Eishi’s woodblock print presents Misayama, a courtesan, set against a dark backdrop that heightens the luminosity of her figure. The print's composition uses a subtle palette of muted pinks, greens and browns, emphasizing the intricate patterns of her kimono. The layering of these patterns creates a visual depth, contrasting the flat planes typical of ukiyo-e prints. Eishi masterfully employs line to define form, from the delicate curve of Misayama’s neck to the complex folds of her garment, creating a sense of volume and texture within the two-dimensional space. The spatial arrangement of the figure—slightly off-center and angled—imbues the scene with a sense of dynamism, drawing the viewer's eye across the composition. This careful attention to form and line not only captures the aesthetic ideals of the era but also invites us to consider the constructed nature of beauty and representation. The artwork exists as an aesthetic object and a cultural artifact reflecting and shaping perceptions of beauty and status.