Page 151 - 2021 March 16th Japanese and Korean Art, Christie's New York City

127 KITAGAWA UTAMARO (1754-1806)

Tatsumi Roko

Woodblock print, from the series Komei bijin
rokkasen (Renowned beauties likened to
the Six Immortal Poets), signed Utamaro ga,
published by Omiya Gonkuro
Vertical oban: 15¿ x 10¿ in. (38.4 x 25.7 cm.)

$35,000-45,000

A series of reformation policies were introduced
during Kansei Era (1789-1801) to promote morality
and frugality, and entertaining activities were under
strict surveillances. As a part of the result, only names
of licensed courtesans in Yoshiwara were allowed to
appear on woodblock prints. In response to the policies,
Utamaro produced this series of six prints in which the
courtesans’ names were indicated in rebus format.
In this particular print, dragon (tatsu) and snake (mi)
on the cartouche marked southeast direction, where
the courtesans were referred to as Tatsumi geishain
Fukagawa area. The oar, ro, and incense, ko, were
puns on the courtesan’s name. Her red undershirt,
striking hairstyle, purple singlet and kimono with broad
black collar and striped patterns revealed her imposing
personality and established her status as a high rank
courtesan. The bracelet and necklace demonstrated her
keenness to Edo fashion at the time.

For another impression, see Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston (21.6457).