Courtesan Placing a Hairpin in Her Hair - Kaigetsudō Anchi

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kaigetsudō Anchi, depicting a courtesan adjusting her hair with bold, graphic lines and stylised floral kimono patterns.

This woodblock print by Kaigetsudō Anchi captures a classic subject of the Ukiyo-e genre, the bijin-ga, or picture of a beautiful woman. The Kaigetsudō school, active in the early 18th century, is known for its bold, graphic style and focus on the female figure. The artist employs strong, confident lines to define the silhouette of the courtesan, who is depicted in a moment of quiet preparation. Her posture is elegant, with arms raised to adjust a hairpin, a gesture that allows the artist to display the voluminous sleeves of her kimono.

The kimono itself is a primary element of the composition. It is decorated with large, stylised chrysanthemum motifs, which provide a rhythmic pattern across the fabric. The artist uses a monochromatic palette, relying on the weight and variation of the ink lines to create texture and form. The background remains plain, which directs the viewer's attention entirely to the figure and the decorative details of her attire. This approach is characteristic of the Kaigetsudō style, which prioritises clarity and visual impact over atmospheric depth.

Kaigetsudō Anchi was a member of the school founded by Kaigetsudō Ando. The school produced works that were widely collected during the Edo period. These prints often featured courtesans from the Yoshiwara pleasure district, reflecting the cultural interests of the urban merchant class. The figure's face is rendered with minimal features, following the aesthetic conventions of the time, while the hair and clothing are executed with precision. This print offers a clear example of the early Ukiyo-e aesthetic, where the focus is on the grace of the subject and the decorative potential of the kimono design. The work remains a representative example of the school's output, demonstrating the technical skill involved in early Japanese printmaking.