Artwork preview

Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō in Yoshiwara

Utagawa Toyokuni I

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a traditional Japanese woodblock print. The print shows a group of people in traditional Japanese clothing walking in a street. The people are wearing kimonos in various colors and patterns. Some of the women are holding parasols. The background features two-story buildings with a covered walkway or awning. The buildings have a tiled roof and are adorned with lanterns. The print is divided into three sections, possibly indicating it is a triptych. The color palette includes shades of pink, orange, black, and beige. The overall scene appears to be a lively and vibrant depiction of a street scene in a Japanese setting, specifically Nakanochō in Yoshiwara. The title and artist are: Courtesans Promenading on the Nakanochō in Yoshiwara by Utagawa Toyokuni I.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1795
Medium
Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 272 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette