Courtesans of the Chojiya and their attendants playing kemari

Art Historical Context

In this vibrant color woodblock print triptych, Utagawa Toyokuni captures a lively moment from Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). around 1791–93, the oban-sized work depicts elegant courtesans from the renowned Chojiya teah in Yoshiwara—the glittering pleasure district of Edo (modern Tokyo)—along with their attendants, joyfully playing kemari, a graceful ball game akin to keepie-uppie. Toyokuni, a master of the ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") tradition, showcases his signature style of bijin-ga, or images of beautiful women, rendered with flowing kimonos and poised elegance amid the game's playful energy. Kemari, originating from Heian-period aristocracy, symbolized harmony and skill; here, it's reimagined in the demimonde of Yoshiwara, highlighting the courtesans' refined allure and the era's fascination with fleeting pleasures. Toyokuni's print reflects ukiyo-e's democratic appeal, making elite pastimes accessible to urban audiences through affordable woodblock reproductions. The triptych format allows panoramic storytelling, immersing viewers in the scene's dynamic composition. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this piece exemplifies Toyokuni's early influence on the Utagawa school, blending technical precision—vibrant colors from layered inks and carved blocks—with cultural snapshot of 18th-century Japan's vibrant nightlife.

About the Artist

Utagawa Toyokuni I · 1777–1835

Japanese, 1777–1835