Utagawa School

19th century

Preparatory Drawing of an Oiran Wearing an Uchikage Decorated with Blossoming Plum, with Two Kamuro

sumi ink drawing on paper, unsigned, with detailed notations for the carver and printer indicating the intended coloration, ca. 1830

conserved on archival paper 15 3/4 by 11 in., 40.1 by 27.8 cm

The courtesan's kimono and one of the attendants hair ornaments bears a mon (crest) in the shape of stylized circles that could identify their associated Yoshiwara brothel.

(inv. no. 10-2705)

price: $1,200