Yoshitoshi: 2 am: Geisha Drinking Sake from the Kettle

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Title: 2 am (Gozen niji): Geisha Drinking Sake from the Kettle Spout

Series: Twenty Four Hours with the Courtesans of Shinbashi and Yanagibashi: 柳橋新橋廿四時 Shin-Ryû nijû-shi toki Date: 1880

A geisha sent to fetch some sake has stolen a sip for herself, raising the choshi, a small metal kettle used to warm and serve sake, directly to her lips. It is 2 am, and she is still entertaining clients, who at this point are likely boorish as well as in their cups. It is understandable that she needs to take the edge off. Her eyes narrow as she looks to make sure that no one is watching. To the right in a place of prominence is a faceted tumbler that looks to be a type of cut glass. It is empty. An English translation of the writing in the large cartouche, written by Takabatake Ransen (1838-1885), may be found in “A courtesan’s day: hour by hour” (Hotei, 2004), page 70. It contains a  number of indirect references to various consummations and of groping in the dark. In this series, every hour of a geisha’s activities is depicted in 24 prints, starting at 1:00 am.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition. Untrimmed and unbacked. Minor stain near left margin. Dimensions: ôban (36.6 x 24.8 cm) Publisher: Morimoto Junsaburo
Literature: See “A courtesan’s day: hour by hour” (Hotei, 2004, Amy Reigle Newland editor), page 70. Listed in “Beauty & Violence”, series number 39.
Signature: Oju Yoshitoshi ga with a red artist’s seal

SKU: YOT959