Courtesan from the Myōgaya House 1702 - 1722

This is "Courtesan from the Myōgaya House" a woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu I. The standing figure dominates the composition, her elaborate kimono rendered in a striking palette of red, black and ochre hues against a neutral ground. Note how the artist manipulates line and form to direct our gaze. The flowing lines of the kimono create a dynamic rhythm, drawing us into the intricate patterns and the bold outlines that define her figure. The calligraphy scroll she holds introduces a graphic element. The overall verticality of the composition enhances the subject’s poise. The print engages with the semiotic language of the Edo period, where each color, pattern, and motif carried social significance. Kiyomasu's work not only captures the aesthetic ideals of his time but also participates in its cultural discourse by presenting an image of feminine beauty and societal role. Consider how the materiality of the woodblock print—its flat planes of color and distinct outlines—contributes to its aesthetic power, creating a dialogue between form and cultural meaning that continues to resonate today.