Hosoda Eishi (1756–1815) came to printmaking from an unusual direction: born into a high-ranking samurai family and trained as a painter in the Kanō school, he left official service to design ukiyo-e. “Itsutomi” is a portrait of a celebrated geisha of that name, known for her skill in Tomimoto-style narrative singing. Eishi made his reputation with bijin-ga — pictures of elegant women — in the 1790s.
The print is a colour woodblock. Eishi’s figures are tall and slender, drawn with a refined, even line that reflects his training as a painter. Itsutomi stands in a patterned kimono, her hair dressed with ornaments, a shamisen beside her — the instrument that names her art. The colour is subtle, built from gentle gradations rather than strong contrast.
This is a graceful single-figure portrait, calm and upright. It suits a dressing area, a bedroom, or a hallway, and its restrained palette fits quiet, considered rooms. The vertical format hangs well in a narrow space . . . Read More >>
Hosoda Eishi (1756–1815) came to printmaking from an unusual direction: born into a high-ranking samurai family and trained as a painter in the Kanō school, he left official service to design ukiyo-e. “Itsutomi” is a portrait of a celebrated geisha of that name, known for her skill in Tomimoto-style narrative singing. Eishi made his reputation with bijin-ga — pictures of elegant women — in the 1790s.
The print is a colour woodblock. Eishi’s figures are tall and slender, drawn with a refined, even line that reflects his training as a painter. Itsutomi stands in a patterned kimono, her hair dressed with ornaments, a shamisen beside her — the instrument that names her art. The colour is subtle, built from gentle gradations rather than strong contrast.
This is a graceful single-figure portrait, calm and upright. It suits a dressing area, a bedroom, or a hallway, and its restrained palette fits quiet, considered rooms. The vertical format hangs well in a narrow space.
The portrait is available unframed on heavyweight matte paper, framed behind shatter-resistant acrylic glazing, or as a satin-coated cotton canvas. All three formats share the same image and differ only in finish.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Itsutomi?
Itsutomi was a geisha admired for her musical accomplishment, particularly in Tomimoto narrative singing. The shamisen shown beside her marks that art.
What is bijin-ga?
Bijin-ga means “pictures of beautiful women,” a central ukiyo-e genre. Eishi was one of its most refined practitioners, known for tall, elegant figures.
What is the instrument in the print?
A shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese instrument used to accompany singing and theatre. Its presence identifies Itsutomi as a musician.
Where does this portrait belong?
Its upright format and quiet colour suit a dressing room, bedroom or hallway, and fit calm, uncluttered interiors.
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Japan historical period: Edo 江戸 (1603-1868)
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