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Courtesan Climbing Stairs

Kikugawa Eizan
ca. 1818-23

Making her way to the second floor of the brothel, this courtesan’s ensemble is made up of three layers. The innermost robe is beni-dyed with a fawn spot (Kanoko) pattern and a collar decorated with bamboo grass. The second underrobe is also beni-dyed, featuring a resist pattern of water chestnuts (Hanabishi) and sakura on the collar. The outer kosode robe displays Shippo patterns of overlapping circles, symbolising the Seven Treasures of Buddhisma – a popular motif representing a harmonious existence. Her hair is styled with eight hairpins (kanzashi) and a hairstick (kogai) to keep it in place.

Additional information

It is possible that object information will be updated as new research findings are discovered. Please email kentonicollection@gmail.com if you can improve this record.

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