Courtesans of the Ōgiya on a Spring Outing
1794
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1794
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
You see two courtesans entering a pavilion, while others gather around a hibachi. Hanaōgi, a celebrated courtesan, is shown at a desk with a brush in her hand. She's dressed differently from the others, with loosened hair, which sets her apart. Hanaōgi seems to be thinking before writing in a book, her head turned to one side. This detail shows she's not just a courtesan, but also a writer or poet. You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Utagawa Toyokuni (Japanese, 1769–1825).
