Two Courtesans

Two Courtesans

Kitagawa Utamaro

1780

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows two women with big, dark hair styled in elegant buns. Both wear traditional robes in soft colors—one in pale yellow, the other in muted red and brown. Their faces are turned slightly away, and one holds a fan while the other rests her hand on her shoulder. The background is simple, with a small scroll and a few flowers adding detail. The women’s hair is decorated with simple pins and flowers, showing careful attention to detail. The print looks worn, with some fading and smudges, giving it an old feel. If you like this style, check out Kitagawa Utamaro.

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