Japan: The celebrated beauty Toto Shin, a yobidashi or highest ranking Yoshiwara courtesan. Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada (1786 - 12 January 1865), c. 1820-1825. A yobidashi is a Yoshiwara top-ranked prostitute. Tortoise shell is very lightweight, but she is wearing so many combs and hairpins in her hair that it makes them look heavy. Her kimono also has a foreign flavour with its stripes and calico strips. Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III, was the most popular, prolific and financially successful designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in 19th-century Japan.

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Size: 3400px × 5102px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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