Description
A slim beauty stands against a white background. This is one part of an ukiyo-e triptych called ‘Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters,’ which introduces several representative geisha from the Yoshiwara pleasure district and includes their names.
This lady is called Itsutomi. From the plectrum in her hand and the musical instrument at her feet, it seems she specialized in playing the shamisen.
In the background, a few specks of mica powder continue to glitter on the white ground. The depiction of a slender, elegant beauty against a white backdrop also creates a bright and vivacious impression.
The distinctive style of the artist, Chobunsai Eishi, is on full display in this popular work.
Data source
ColBase
"ColBase: Integrated Collections Database of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan" is a service that enables a multi-database search of the collections in the four national museums (To...
Contents holder/Provider
Aggregator
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) comprise four National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu National Museum) and two National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), as well as the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) in Sakai City, for a total of seven institutions.
Last updated
March 30, 2026