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鳥居清長画　「雛形若菜の初模様　丁子屋の若草・あさの・みどり」|The Courtesan Wakakusa of the Chōjiya Brothel, and Attendants Asano and Midori, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (Hinagata wakana no hatsumoyō)

Torii Kiyonaga

1783

ink

paper

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Floral

Dominant colour

鳥居清長画　「雛形若菜の初模様　丁子屋の若草・あさの・みどり」|The Courtesan Wakakusa of the Chōjiya Brothel, and Attendants Asano and Midori, from the series “A Pattern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (Hinagata wakana no hatsumoyō) is a 1783 ink by Torii Kiyonaga, a Romanticism work, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Torii Kiyonaga
When & what style?: 1783 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows four women in bright robes and tall hats. They’re holding decorated fans and standing close together. The colors are mostly pink, black, and gold, with lots of floral patterns on their clothes. One woman is slightly ahead of the others, looking off to the side. The fans they hold have detailed designs, almost like lace. This style of print was meant to show off new spring fashion. The artist signed it in the corner—tiny but clear. Look up Torii Kiyonaga next to see more of his work.