Title : Somenosuke of the Matsubaya

Artist : Hosoda Eishi

Date : c. 1800

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Women depicted by Eishi always look elegant and refined. This print is a part of the series “Courtesans Modeling the New Year’s Fashions” in which popular courtesans of the time are depicted wearing special kimono for New Year’s Day. These special kimono were supposed to be made every year, and were financed by the courtesans’ patrons. These special kimono for New Year’s Day were a symbol of their status as top courtesans. The figure’s attire is filled with bird designs, including phoenixes. Her outer kimono is hung on a kimono rack on her right showing the design of a hawk and flowers. Both the phoenix and the hawk are auspicious symbols in Japan. (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)

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