{"product_id":"looking-suitable-the-appearance-of-a-brothel-geisha-of-the-koka-era-tsukioka-yoshitoshi","title":"Looking suitable - The Appearance of a Brothel Geisha of the Koka Era - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined woodblock print from Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's series 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners', depicting a geisha from the Koka era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print belongs to the series 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners' (Fuzoku sanjuniso), produced by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi between 1887 and 1888. The series examines the changing social status and fashion of women across different historical periods in Japan. This specific image depicts a woman from the Koka era (1844-1848), identified by the title as a geisha associated with a brothel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoshitoshi employs a sophisticated composition here. The subject is positioned against a muted, atmospheric background featuring a pale moon, which provides a sense of quietude. Her gaze is directed away from the viewer, suggesting a moment of private contemplation. The artist pays close attention to the textile patterns of her kimono, which includes a distinct peacock-feather motif, and the bold red calligraphy on her folding fan. The use of colour is controlled, relying on a balanced palette that allows the red of the fan and the subtle tones of the garment to draw the eye without overwhelming the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one of the final masters of the ukiyo-e tradition, Yoshitoshi bridges the gap between traditional Japanese printmaking and the encroaching influence of Western artistic techniques. His work often displays a psychological depth that distinguishes it from the more stylised portraits of his predecessors. The print captures a specific historical aesthetic, documenting the sartorial choices and social nuances of the mid-nineteenth century. The inclusion of the cartouche in the upper right corner provides context, a common feature in this series that grounds the portrait in its historical setting. This print offers a clear view into the artistic sensibilities of the Meiji period, reflecting the transition of Japanese society during a time of rapid modernisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/customs-of-the-kansei-era-tsukioka-yoshitoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eCustoms of the Kansei Era by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/folding-fan-seller-round-fan-seller-and-barley-pounder-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eFolding Fan Seller, Round Fan Seller, and Barley Pounder by Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/yoshitoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2a555a;border:1px solid #2a555a;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#ffffff;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eYoshitoshi prints →\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Yoshitoshi","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59486249615695,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59486249648463,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59486249681231,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59486249713999,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59486249746767,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59486249779535,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59486249812303,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59486249845071,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59486249877839,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59486249910607,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59486249943375,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59486249976143,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Looking-suitable-The-Appearance-of-a-Brothel-Geisha-of-the-Koka-Era_Poster_CompositorV1_1794542330467.jpg?v=1794542365","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/products\/looking-suitable-the-appearance-of-a-brothel-geisha-of-the-koka-era-tsukioka-yoshitoshi","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}