Looking tasty - The appearance of a courtesan during the Kaei era - Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Archival giclée
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Description
A woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi from the series 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners', depicting a courtesan dining during the Kaei era.
This woodblock print belongs to the series 'Thirty-two Aspects of Customs and Manners' (Fuzoku sanjuniso), produced by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1888. The series examines the changing social conditions and aesthetic preferences of Japanese women across different historical periods. This specific image depicts a courtesan from the Kaei era (1848-1854), captured in a moment of casual dining. She holds a piece of tempura with chopsticks, her expression thoughtful as she gazes away from the viewer.
The composition employs the characteristic flat perspective of the Ukiyo-e tradition, yet Yoshitoshi introduces a psychological depth through the subject's posture and the subtle rendering of her features. The striped pattern of her kimono provides a rhythmic visual element that contrasts with the solid, muted background. A pale moon hangs in the upper left corner, a recurring motif in Yoshitoshi's work that adds a sense of atmosphere to the scene. The inclusion of cartouches containing calligraphy and red seals is typical of the period, providing context regarding the series title and the specific era being referenced.
Yoshitoshi is often regarded as the last great master of the Ukiyo-e genre. His work bridges the gap between traditional Japanese printmaking and the modern influences arriving from the West during the Meiji period. By focusing on the specific manners and fashions of the Kaei era, he documents a vanishing world. The print demonstrates his technical skill in line work and his ability to convey character through gesture. The colour palette remains restrained, relying on soft blues, greys, and the warm yellow of the moon to create a balanced visual experience. This print offers a window into the domestic lives of women in nineteenth-century Japan, presented with the precision and observation that define Yoshitoshi's later career.
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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.
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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 tasty - The appearance of a courtesan during the Kaei era - 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.
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