Kaigetsudo Anchi. Courtesan Walking. 1709–1719. Japan. Hand-colored woodblock print; tan-e, vertical o-oban Woodblock prints are regarded as the most characteristic expression of the Japanese artistic genius. Great quantities of this popular art form, called ukiyo-e ( pictures of the floating world ), were made during the Edo period (1603-1868) and sold inexpensively to a pleasure-seeking public captivated by Kabuki theater, sumo wrestling, and the brothel districts. Prints such as Kaigetsudo’s hand-painted Courtesan display a freedom and originality that were not possible in the rendering of
Kaigetsudo Anchi. Courtesan Walking. 1709–1719. Japan. Hand-colored woodblock print; tan-e, vertical o-oban Woodblock prints are regarded as the most characteristic expression of the Japanese artistic genius. Great quantities of this popular art form, called ukiyo-e ( pictures of the floating world ), were made during the Edo period (1603-1868) and sold inexpensively to a pleasure-seeking public captivated by Kabuki theater, sumo wrestling, and the brothel districts. Prints such as Kaigetsudo’s hand-painted Courtesan display a freedom and originality that were not possible in the rendering of tradition-bound religious images. The beautiful woman clutches her billowing kimono, which has been decorated with the words of a poem whose author is depicted in the lining.
Size: 1609px × 3000px
Photo credit: © WBC ART / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords:
