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Important Cultural Property

Geishas of the Pleasure Quarters: Itsutomi

青樓藝者撰・いつとみ
Geishas of the Pleasure Quarters: Itsutomi (青樓藝者撰・いつとみ)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Painting · Edo period, 18th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated Important Cultural Property of Japan · Chobunsai Eishi.

Fact Sheet

Designation
Important Cultural Property (重要文化財)
Category
Paintings
Date
1701–1800
Creator
Chobunsai Eishi (鳥文斎栄之、栄之、細田栄之)
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-48967

Find more

A slim beauty stands against a white background. This is one part of an ukiyo-e triptych called ‘Beauties of the Pleasure Quarters,’ which introduces several representative geisha from the Yoshiwara pleasure district and includes their names. This lady is called Itsutomi. From the plectrum in her hand and the musical instrument at her feet, it seems she specialized in playing the shamisen. In the background, a few specks of mica powder continue to glitter on the white ground. The depiction of a slender, elegant beauty against a white backdrop also creates a bright and vivacious impression. The distinctive style of the artist, Chobunsai Eishi, is on full display in this popular work.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Geishas of the Pleasure Quarters: Itsutomi（青樓藝者撰・いつとみ）.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-48967. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/geishas-of-the-pleasure-quarters-itsutomi/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Category: Paintings, sketches, and prints:Japan:Ukiyo-e
  • Genre: Painting
  • Cultural property designation: Important Cultural Property
  • 員数: 1枚
  • 分類: 絵画
  • 種別: 絵画:日本:浮世絵
  • 品質形状: 大判 錦絵 ３枚続のうち

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