High Ranking Courtesan
Mihata Jôryû
1820–1853
- Medium
- Ink, color, and gold on silk
- Dimensions
- 106.6 × 45.6 cm (42 × 18 in.); Overall: 176.5 × 54.6 cm (69 1/2 × 21 1/2 in.)
- Genre
- hanging scroll
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
Tags
paintinginkasian arthanging scrollsilk (textile)Japanese (culture or style)
About
This beautiful woman’s sumptuous clothing and elaborate hairstyle identify her as a high-ranking courtesan. She wears full regalia: multiple layers of kimono, a coat, and many hairpins. Her uchikake (outer coat) has a design of a flowering plum tree that extends across the full height of the garment.