The Courtesan Senzan of the Chojiya, from the series "Beauties of the Five Festivals (Bijin gosekku)" c. 1795 - 1800

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, created by Ichirakutei Eisui between 1795 and 1800, depicts Senzan, a courtesan from the Chojiya house, in a delicate and alluring pose. The print is part of a series titled "Beauties of the Five Festivals" (Bijin gosekku), highlighting the beauty and elegance of Edo-era courtesans. Eisui, who lived a short but impactful life from 1793 to 1801, is known for his captivating portrayal of women in these prints. The artwork, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artist's skilled use of vibrant colors and meticulous detail. The subject, adorned with a traditional hairstyle and intricate clothing, embodies the idealized beauty of the time, holding a hand-painted fan with chrysanthemum motifs, a symbol of autumn and its ephemeral beauty.