August Gallery Auction
Fri, Aug 21, 2026 01:00PM EDT
Lot 3399
Japanese Woodblock Print of Courtesan, Utagawa Yoshitora
Estimate: $200 - $300
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $1 |
| $5 | $5 |
| $50 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Utagawa Yoshitora (Japanese, fl. 1850–1880), The courtesan Enshō
A color woodblock print depicting the courtesan Enshō standing beneath flowering cherry branches. She wears elaborately layered robes decorated with dragons, stylized clouds, maple leaves, floral roundels, and geometric motifs in deep blue, red, black, and white. Her numerous projecting hairpins and formal attire identify her as a high-ranking courtesan.
The inscription at left reads:
“京町一丁目
久喜屋藤吉内
艶粧”
“Enshō of Kuki-ya Tōkichi, Kyōmachi 1-chōme.”
The inscription identifies the district within the Shin-Yoshiwara pleasure quarter, the establishment with which the courtesan was associated, and her professional name.
Sight image: 13 1/2 x 9 inches (34.2 x 22.8 cm).
Frame: 22 x 19 inches (55.8 x 48 cm).
Condition
Overall good condition. Not inspected out of frame. For condition report, please contact Asian Art Department.
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