Courtesan attending to her toilette. Paired with an illustration of men fishing. From the series "Comparison of beauties with 'brother pictures'" ("E Kyodai Bijin Awase") c. 1790 - 1800

IU, un s. on plate b. l. "Eisho-ga"; inscr. on plate t. l. "Comparison of Beauties with Brother Pictures" (translation); publisher's seal b. l.; censor's seal b. l. CRE EISHO, Chokosai; (Japanese; active 1790 - 1799) PUB Yamaguchi-ya Chuemon (Chusuke). This publishing house was active from 1790 - 1820. The courtesan is shown attending to her toilette and is depicted applying makeup with a small brush. Her kimono is loosely tied around her in a manner that is informal and erotic. This image is paired with a rustic illustration of men fishing from a small boat using fishing nets (t. r.). The lattice of the fishing net is repeated in the patterned textile of the woman's kimono. There is the suggestion that like the fisherman, the courtesan is required to use skill to achieve a good catch. Next to the woman on a small pillow is placed a small black toy cow said to grant wishes.

Collection

Hunterian Items

Inventory Number

2903059

Title

Courtesan attending to her toilette. Paired with an illustration of men fishing. From the series "Comparison of beauties with 'brother pictures'" ("E Kyodai Bijin Awase") c. 1790 - 1800

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

-