This refined woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835–1900) portrays an elegant oiran, a high-ranking courtesan, distinguished by her elaborate hairstyle adorned with numerous kanzashi (decorative hairpins). The vivid palette of crimson, indigo, and soft blue highlights her refined attire and the luxurious textiles associated with Edo and Meiji-period courtesans.
Kunichika, a leading disciple of Utagawa Kunisada, was celebrated for his portraits of actors and beauties that captured both the vibrancy of the ukiyo-e tradition and the emerging modern sensibility of Meiji Japan. This print exemplifies his mastery of color, pattern, and psychological nuance, revealing both the allure and dignity of Japan’s courtesan culture.
Mounted in a contemporary frame for preservation and display.
