Artwork preview

New Year's Day at the Ōgiya Brothel, Yoshiwara

Katsushika Hokusai

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A large group of people, mostly women in traditional Japanese clothing, are gathered on a staircase and in rooms. The staircase is in the center, with multiple flights and landings. People are sitting and standing on the stairs and in the rooms. Some people are wearing kimonos in various colors, including pink, green, blue, and black. Some have their hair styled in traditional Japanese fashion. The rooms have sliding doors and windows, some with shoji screens. There are also some decorative elements, such as paintings on the walls. The overall atmosphere appears to be one of celebration or revelry. The scene is set indoors, with a sense of depth created by the multiple rooms and staircases. The color palette is muted, with earth tones and pastels dominant.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1804
Medium:
Pentaptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
597 × 190 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette