Looking eager to meet someone - The appearance of a courtesan of the Kaei period - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Archival giclée
Frames arrive ready to hang
Secure checkout
Made to order
Description
A woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi from his 1888 series, depicting a courtesan in a moment of quiet anticipation.
This woodblock print belongs to the series 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners' (Fūzoku sanjūnisō), produced by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1888. The series examines the changing social roles and fashions of women across different historical eras in Japan. This specific image depicts a courtesan from the Kaei period (1848-1854), a time of transition before the Meiji Restoration.
Yoshitoshi employs a refined approach to portraiture, focusing on the psychological state of the subject. The title, 'Looking eager to meet someone', suggests a narrative of anticipation. The woman is rendered with a delicate line quality, typical of late-period Ukiyo-e. Her expression is composed, yet her gaze directed off-centre implies an unseen presence or event. The composition is balanced, with the figure occupying the majority of the frame, allowing the viewer to focus on the textile patterns of her kimono.
The colour palette is carefully managed, using deep indigo, crimson, and muted earth tones to ground the figure against a neutral background. The inclusion of falling cherry blossom petals adds a temporal dimension to the work, suggesting the fleeting nature of the moment. Yoshitoshi was one of the final masters of the Ukiyo-e tradition, and this series demonstrates his ability to combine traditional woodblock techniques with a modern sensitivity to character and mood. The print serves as a record of historical fashion, specifically the elaborate hairstyles and layered garments worn by women of the pleasure quarters during the mid-nineteenth century. The precision in the rendering of the fabric patterns reflects the technical skill of the carvers and printers who collaborated with Yoshitoshi to produce these editions.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Looking eager to meet someone - The appearance of a courtesan of the Kaei period - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Artist Biography
Yoshitoshi
Yoshitoshi's art is characterised by its dramatic intensity and historical themes. He was fascinated by the supernatural, often depicting ghosts, demons, and scenes of violence. His mentor was Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who also explored similar themes. Yoshitoshi's skill in portraying emotion and movement, combined with his mastery of colour and composition, made his prints stand out. His work reflects a turbulent period in Japanese history, capturing the anxieties and uncertainties of a society undergoing rapid change.
Collectors are drawn to Yoshitoshi's prints for their striking imagery and historical value. His works offer a glimpse into a transitional period in Japan, blending traditional artistic techniques with modern sensibilities. His prints appeal to those who appreciate art that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating, preserving a vital part of Japanese cultural heritage.
Why Choose Us ?
Damage-free delivery guarantee
Fast Shipping
Museum-Quality Materials
You May Also Like