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KIYOMINE Torii. (1786-1868)
The Courtesans Hanamurasaki and Koto Terin of the Tamaya. c.1806
- Category
- Japanese | 20th Century
- Series
- Customs of Women's Dress.
- Publisher
- Nishimura Yohachi
oban tate-e, 26.2 cm × 39.8 cm
Very good impression and superb, unfaded colour. Very light mark by the hair pins, a barely perceptible horizontal centrefold and very minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Full size, untrimmed sheet.
The courtesan Koto Terin slides a sumptuous menire-kosode (cotton padded short sleeved kimono for autumn) onto the shoulders of Hanamurasaki ("Purple Flower"). The garment is decorated with chrysanthemums perhaps in accordance with the Chrysanthemum festival, Choyo. The broad obi is embroidered with carp and swirling water. The message here is auspicious one as according to Chinese legend, any fish able to leap the waterfall is transformed into a dragon. Carp swimming upstream were also a symbol of strength and endurance, and perhaps a covert reference to the courtesans fortitude in enduring the demands of her employment and the debt-ridden ten year contract to the Tamaya House.
This is a veritable fashion plate. During the Bunkwa period, the costumes of the high ranking "oiran" courtesans were gorgeous, reaching heights of incomparable luxury and splendour. Signed Kiyomine ga.
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