Title : Okita of Naniwa-ya Teahouse

Artist : Kitagawa Utamaro

Date : c.1793

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Okita, one of the three famed Edo "Beauties" of the late eighteenth century, was a waitress in the Naniwa-ya teahouse at Asakusa. Michener stated, "Utamaro's women relay the charm he constantly saw in the women he so lovingly drew. They are alluring, delightful and evocative." She wears a gray kimono with an intricately flowered black sash. The darker colors, such as black, gray, and brown convey the elegant eighteenth century sense of fashion. Ukiyo-e prints functioned like fashion magazines, spreading chic urban style throughout the country. (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)

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