Theater-district dawn moon

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Woodblock Print Name: Theater-district dawn moon
Series Number: #43
Date: 1886
Description: The Shibaimachi was the traditional theater district of Tokyo, as depicted in ukiyo-e prints. The area consisted of ochaya, kabuki theaters (the boxy shadows in the background) and restaurants. In 1841, the theaters were forced to move to the farmland outskirts of Asakusa due to official displeasure at the some of the "degenerate" behavior found in the district (see photograph of the Asakusa district). Here, a well-dressed lady hurries on her way after (presumably) an evening's entertainment. It is early morning now, as suggested by the purple hues in the background. The lady is married (suggested by her blackened teeth and hairstyle) and wears a popular green lipstick below her lower lip.
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon
Yoshitoshi - Theater-district dawn moon - One Hundred Aspects of the Moon

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