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A cosmetics and accessories seller making a house
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A cosmetics and accessories seller making a house
A cosmetics and accessories seller making a house call. The customers are a geisha madam and two young geisha in an okiya. Handcoloured ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa from Shikitei Sanbas Ehon Imayo Sugata (Picture Book of the Modern Forms and Figures, Tokyo, 1916. Reprint of the original from 1802
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Media ID 23392262
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In this exquisite handcoloured ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa, titled "A Cosmetics and Accessories Seller Making a House Call," we are transported back in time to the elegant world of 18th century Japanese high society. The scene unfolds in an okiya, or geisha quarters, where a fashionable madam and two young geishas are preparing for an evening of entertainment. The cosmetics and accessories seller, dressed in formal attire, enters the room carrying a tray laden with his wares. He is accompanied by two assistants, who carry large wooden cases filled with various beauty products and fashion accessories. The seller's face is expressionless, yet his eyes are focused and determined as he sets up his makeshift shop in the room. The geisha madam, dressed in a stunning kimono adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, sits on a low tatami mat, her legs crossed in a graceful position. She is surrounded by her two young apprentices, who eagerly watch the seller's every move. The seller begins to unpack his cases, revealing an array of cosmetics, combs, hairpins, and other accessories. The scene is reminiscent of the popular French thermal baths, such as those at Vigier on the Seine or Thermes de Francois in Paris, which were known for their fashionable clientele. The influence of Western culture is evident in the modern forms and figures depicted in the print, reflecting the blending of Eastern and Western aesthetics during the Directoire period. This beautiful illustration, taken from Shikitei Sanbas Ehon Imayo Sugata (Picture Book of the Modern Forms and Figures), provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of 18th century Japanese high society and the role of the cosmetics and accessories seller in maintaining the beauty and elegance of the geisha class.
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