This refined Japanese woodblock print depicts an oiran, a high-ranking courtesan distinguished by her elaborate hairstyle, rich kimono, and poised expression — symbols of beauty and refinement in Edo and Meiji society. The intricate hair ornaments and layered fabrics reveal her elevated status and the artistry of the printmaker’s hand.
Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) was a leading artist of the Ukiyo-e school in late Edo and Meiji Japan. A pupil of Utagawa Kunisada, he became celebrated for his masterful color printing and vivid portrayals of actors, courtesans, and scenes of urban life. Working in Tokyo, Kunichika bridged traditional woodblock art with the modernizing spirit of the Meiji era, preserving the elegance of Japan’s floating world through his distinctive style and refined technique.
Mounted in a contemporary frame for preservation and display.
