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Print
A Scene of Cherry Blossoms in the New Yoshiwara
Utagawa Toyokuni I, 1769 - 1825
Utagawa Toyokuni I
Japan
1769 - 1825
Male
Designer
15 9/16 x 51 3/8 in. (39.6 x 130.5 cm)
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Image/sheet
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overall
frame
Printer's ink
Printer's ink
1811
1811
1811
Japanese, Ukiyo-e
Print
The Edo period of Japanese history (1615–1868) ushered in an era of relative peace and stability after centuries of war. Urban merchants used their new-found wealth and leisure time to patronize the courtesans, teahouses, and theaters of the city’s pleasure quarters.
The New Yoshiwara entertainment quarter was one of two famous “evil places” in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The five prints that make up A Scene of Cherry Blossoms in the New Yoshiwara show a view along Nakanoch? (Main Street) beginning from the ?-mon (Great Gate) on the far right, during the popular spectacle of the cherry blossom season. The Great Gate, the quarter’s only entrance and exit, was closely guarded; the main street, with its central aisle of cherry trees and lanterns, was thronged on both sides with chaya, or “tea-houses.” Courtesans, identified by their high special wooden clogs, elaborate dress, and retinues of women attendants, servants and small girls-in-training, are easily distinguishable from the geisha, or entertainer, with her two black instrument cases.
[Label text from It Came From the Vault exhibition, 2013]
Along with the theater district in nearby Saruwaka-chô, the New Yoshiwara entertainment quarter was one of Edo's two famous "evil places." This spectacular series of five connected prints shows a view along Nakanochô, or Main Street, beginning from the <em>Ô-mon</em>, or Great Gate, on the far right. Visitors to the exclusive environment of the New Yoshiwara required money, taste and introductions; the Great Gate, the quarter's only entrance and exit, was closely guarded. The main street, with its central aisle of cherry trees and lanterns, was thronged on both sides with <em>chaya</em>, or "tea-houses." There, customers would arrange to meet one of the courtesans who lived and worked in <em>ageya</em>, or houses of assignation, located on the three cross-streets of the quarter.
Accompanied by their entourages, well-heeled male customers turned out in great numbers for the popular spectacle of the cherry blossom season. Courtesans, identified by their high special wooden clogs, far more elaborate dress and retinues that included younger women attendants, servants and small girls-in-training, are easily distinguishable from the <em>geisha</em>, or entertainer, seen here with her two black instrument cases.
[Gallery label text, 2010]
, Signature: Toyokuniga, on each sheet.
1997.43
item
Memorial Art Gallery
6/22/2000
97.43DI1
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