『北国五色墨』「おいらん」
A high-ranking courtesan (oiran) from the Yoshiwara brothel district is captured by the artist in a private moment. Having just washed her
hair, she wets the tip of the brush with her lips as she contemplates writing a letter. The black of her uncoiffed hair and the red accents on her lips, the brush, and the rim of her sleeve contrast with the solid yellow background.
Credit: Rogers Fund, 1922
1794-95
Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper
37.5 x 24.8cm
JP1368
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection