A courtesan and companion linger over tea on a golden ground

Two women sit close together against a warm gold ground flecked with mica. One wears a mauve kimono patterned with cherry blossoms and flowing water and lifts a broad black lacquer vessel; the other wears a purple robe over a red under-robe printed with the same blossoms, its collar pulled low across the shoulders, and holds a long slender pipe. A rectangular cartouche at upper left gives the series title beside a round poem cartouche, and a small lacquer tray with a pot and cup rests at their feet. Utamaro's signature appears at right.

Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) defined the ukiyo-e portrait of women. Working with the publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō in the 1790s, he introduced the ōkubi-e, or large-head print, which brought the viewer close enough to read a glance or a gesture, and he gave the beauties of the Yoshiwara district individual faces and names. Mica grounds, transparent textiles and fine line work made his prints the most refined of their day. His work is held by the British Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Printed as a museum-grade giclée on Hahnemühle fine art paper using 12-ink archival pigment printing. Available handframed in FSC-certified wood with optional float glass, or unframed. Ships worldwide with free delivery to 30+ countries.