Eisen (1790 - 1848 )
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.
Ukiyo-e | Japanese Woodblock Prints | Ronin Gallery
Explore the largest collection of 17th-19th century original Japanese woodblock prints in the United States at Ronin Gallery. Ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world,” captured the exciting urban popular culture of the Edo period (1603-1868), promoting its beauty, fashions and heroes. While the Buddhist term ukiyo originally emphasized the transitory nature of human life, during the 17th century the term gradually shifted its reference to the ephemeral world of pleasure and indulgence. From 17th century Buddhist woodcuts through 19th century Japanese ukiyo-e print masters, enter a vibrant world of enchanting landscapes and sublime nature studies by Hokusai and Hiroshige, dramatic kabuki actors by Sharaku and Toyokuni, fierce samurai by Kuniyoshi, and elegant beauties by Utamaro. With the ravages of time, war and fire, today few of these precious original Japanese woodblock prints survive outside of museums and important private collections.
62 Products
Eisen
Pictures of Valiant Warriors (Buyu sakigake zue), Volume 2
JPR-211118
Eisen
Uncut sheet of "Tiger and Full Moon" and "Bird on Branch"
JPR-210171
Eisen
The Seventh Month, Tanabata, Lanterns for the Star Festival: The Courtesan Chodayu of the Okamotoya House
JP-208460
Eisen
Nissaka: The Courtesan Mitsusode of the Owariya
JPR-209549
Eisen
Yoshida: The Courtesan Takanoo from the Sugata-Ebiya
JPR-209544
Eisen
Sakanoshita: The Courtesan Katsuragi from the House of Sanomatsu
JPR-209089
Eisen
Evening Glow at Naka-no-cho: Yoyoyama of the House of Matsubaya
JPR-209120