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Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man watching a dancer
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Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man watching a dancer
Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man with tobacco pipe watching a dancing girl accompanied by musicians on shamisen and blind koto harpist (koze). The dance instructor drinks sake near a large grilled sea bream on a plate. 18th century. Handcoloured ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa from Shikitei Sanbas Ehon Imayo Sugata (Picture Book of the Modern Forms and Figures, Tokyo, 1916. Reprint of the original from 1802
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Media ID 23392228
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In this exquisite 18th century ukiyo-e woodblock print by Toyokuni Utagawa, we are transported into the opulent world of a high-ranking man's residence. The concubine, or mekake, reclines on a tatami floor, her delicate kimono adorned with intricate patterns, as she watches a dancing girl accompanied by musicians. The dancer gracefully moves to the rhythm of the shamisen and the haunting melody of the blind koto harpist, or koze. The master of the house, a daimyo or wealthy merchant, sits cross-legged on a mat, his refined air conveyed through his elegant posture and the tobacco pipe clenched between his teeth. The atmosphere is one of leisure and indulgence, as evidenced by the large grilled sea bream on a plate, and the sake cup nearby, which the dance instructor raises in a toast. The room is filled with the trappings of high culture, from the calligraphy scrolls on the wall to the sewing and wrapping tools on the table. The concubines and servants, dressed in their finest, attend to their tasks, their faces reflecting a sense of pride and dedication to their roles. The print, titled "Shikitei Sanbas Ehon Imayo Sugata," is a testament to the richness and complexity of Japanese culture during the Edo period. The intricate details, from the folds of the kimonos to the reflections in the mirror, are rendered with exquisite precision, making this a truly captivating work of art. The cartouche at the bottom right corner bears the signature of the artist, Toyokuni Utagawa, and the title of the print. This stunning piece offers a glimpse into the lives of the elite during a time when art, beauty, and refinement were highly valued.
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