Xilografia originale - Carta - Cortigiana - Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) - "Matsubaya uchi Yosooi" 松葉屋内粧ひ (Courtesan Yosooi of Matsuba-ya) and kamuro Tomeki and Nioi - Giappone - 1795-1805 circa

Original woodblock print, Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei - Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) - "Matsubaya uchi Yosooi" 松葉屋内粧ひ (Courtesan Yosooi of Matsuba-ya) and kamuro (attendants) Tomeki and Nioi - Japan - ca 1795-1805

A charming print depicting the Courtesan Yosooi of Matsuba-ya walking in the street. She is being protected with a parasol in order to maintain her milky white complexion. The detail is fine and the composition of the figures enchanting.

Although the print is soiled in certain places it does not fail to deliver a fascinating window into the glamour and beauty of old Japan.

The print is circa 1795-1805 and there is a kiwame censor seal.

This print would be a delightful addition to a Japanese print collection.

For a similar subject by the same artist and publisher see Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: https://collections.mfa.org/objects/201902

and for another depiction of the same courtesan see https://collections.mfa.org/objects/234128

For another impression of the same print misidentified as by Utamaro II see Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/jpd/item/2008660569/