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Eisen (1790 - 1848)

A Geisha's Habit: High Pitch Tone

Series: Ukiyo Forty-eight Habits
Medium: Woodblock Print
Date: c. 1838
Size (H x W): 14 x 9.5 (inches)
Publisher: Otaya Sakichi
Seals: Kiwame
Signature: Keisai Eisen ga
Condition: Very good color and impression, very light surface soiling and wear.

SOLD

About the artist

Born to the well-known calligrapher Shigeharu, Eisen worked as a painter, woodblock printmaker and illustrator in Edo during the 19th century. As a young man, he studied Kano painting with Hakkeisai before pursuing illustration and printmaking under Eizan. It is said that Eisen was a brothel owner and held the reputation of a debaucher and a man of questionable personal conduct. Though he completed masterful nature studies and landscapes, he is best known for his beautiful women. In addition to his artistic oeuvre, Eisen authored Zoku Ukiyo-e Ruiko, an edited account of the history of ukiyo-e.


As ukiyo-e achieved an unprecedented popularity in the 1800s, bijin (beautiful women) were the stars of this period. Eisen’s beauties present a particular type of femininity: willful, self-assertive, voluptuous and vivacious. Balancing bold compositions with intricate kimono designs, Eisen’s bijin-ga offer a quiet sensuality.