Kiyochika: Three Geisha in One (Sold)

Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika
Title: Three Geisha in One
Date: ca. 1878

Strikingly inventive portrait of “Three Geisha: Kayo of Kyoto, Hitotsuru of Osaka, and Kokichi of Tokyo”. The theme of beauties from the three capitals dated back over two centuries in ukiyo-e, but here Kiyochia has used the device of overlapping the eyes to combine all three into a single oval portrait. They share a single fan and hair ornament. He also gives the portrait the flavor of a photograph, and uses a western frame above with a Japanese poem card at right. The poem card is a haiku that reads, “Oh to see moon and snow together in the mountain of blossoms”.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Very early state of this rare design.
Dimensions: ôban horizontal
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi
Literature: Pictured and discussed in “Kiyochika: Artist of Meiji Japan” by Henry D. Smith II, figure 15, page 28.
Signature: Kobayashi Kiyochika

SKU: KYC119