The Courtesan Hanaōgi of the Ōgiya Brothel (Ōgiya no uchi Hanaōgi)

Ichirakutei Eisui Japanese

Not on view

The courtesan Hanaōgi fiddles with one of the hairpins holding her magnificent coiffure in place. She grasps a semitransparent circular fan that recalls her brothel’s name, Ōgiya, literally “House of Fans.” Hanaōgi was a name used by a succession of high-ranking courtesans of this house. This image is in all likelihood meant to represent Hanaōgi VI, who was known to be talented in poetry, singing, and other literary arts.

The Courtesan Hanaōgi of the Ōgiya Brothel (Ōgiya no uchi Hanaōgi), Ichirakutei Eisui (Japanese, active ca. 1793–1801), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan

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