<b>RELAXED</b> / Taiso Yoshitoshi1888<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

In this design, Yoshitoshi looks back to an era at its height—a time of exceedingly well-trained female entertainers, flawlessly presented and clothed in the finest kimono at the peak of their fashion. And yet, this design also humanizes the subject presenting a beautiful geisha or geiko in a relaxed environment, as the title suggests. Yoshitoshi playfully portrays the always-perfect geiko in an unusual position: laying awkwardly with kimono sleeves rolled up. To further accentuate the informality of the scene, we see a carelessly tossed purse wrapped in tissues and three slightly misshapen origami cranes laying lifelessly on the floor.

In this print, Yoshitoshi presents the viewer with a scene of a Kyoto geisha that is fresh and unexpected. The viewer is drawn to her beauty and lingers for Yoshitoshi’s sensitive expression of her humanity.

Connoisseur's Note

This beautifully printed impression is the desirable first state version of the design. Note the tricolor cartouche at the top right, which designates its early printing. The extraordinarily fine lines executed in the Geisha’s hair and in her robes, not to mention the subtle and skillful printing throughout the design, further supports this impression’s early pedigree.