Konami of the Kurahashiya - Yanagawa Shigenobu

A woodblock print by Yanagawa Shigenobu depicting a courtesan in a costume parade, showcasing the refined fashion and theatricality of the Osaka pleasure districts.

This woodblock print by Yanagawa Shigenobu depicts Konami, a courtesan from the Kurahashiya house, participating in the Saki-bayashi, or front group of musicians, during a costume parade in the Shinmachi quarter of Osaka. Shigenobu, a student and son-in-law of Katsushika Hokusai, established his own reputation in the Kamigata region, where he produced works that often focused on the theatrical and social life of the pleasure districts.

The figure is shown in a dynamic, slightly contorted pose, characteristic of the theatricality associated with these processions. She wears an elaborate kimono featuring a pattern of floral motifs and geometric borders, layered over a bright red undergarment. A distinctive feature of her costume is the white, wing-like accessory draped over her shoulders, which adds a sense of movement and artifice to the composition. She holds a fan, which serves as a graphic element within the print, bearing the name of the establishment and the specific group to which she belongs.

The print employs a refined colour palette, balancing the muted grey-blue of the outer kimono with the bold red accents of the lining and accessories. The background remains a neutral, light tone, allowing the figure to occupy the space without distraction. Shigenobu uses clean, precise lines to define the folds of the fabric and the individual strands of the subject's hair, which is styled with traditional ornaments. This work provides a glimpse into the visual culture of early 19th-century Osaka, documenting the specific fashions and roles performed by courtesans during public festivals. The print is a representative example of the Kamigata-e style, which often prioritised a more realistic approach to portraiture compared to the stylised depictions common in Edo-period prints.