Accession Number1960/1.138
TitleElegant Fresh Foods (Three Courtesans at a Drinking Party)
Artist(s)Kikugawa EizanObject Creation Datemid 1800s - circa 1810Medium & Supportoban (large size) nishiki-e (full-color woodblock print) on paperDimensions 22 in. x 18 in. ( 55.9 cm x 45.7 cm )
Credit LineMuseum PurchaseLabel copyGallery Rotation Fall 2013
Kikugawa Eizen
Japan, 1787–1867
Elegant Fresh Foods
Edo period (1615–1868)
mid 1800s-1810s
Color woodblock print on paper
Museum purchase, 1960/1.138
Subject matterAll the senses are aroused by this image of three women engaged in a playful drinking game. The setting is an open veranda in early spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The party scene is complete—except perhaps for the male client who has paid for it all. Male viewers of the print no doubt preferred to imagine themselves in that role. Eizan is from the same group of printmakers as Ichirakutei Eisui, and the elongated faces are typical of their prints.
Physical DescriptionThree courtesans engaged in a drinking game sit in an open veranda in early spring, with cherry blossoms in full bloom behind them. The women appear tipsy, and the one at the right clings to her companion in the middle for support, as she stretches out her left hand to have her cup refilled with saké (rice wine). They have a tray of delicacies shamisen at their feet.
Primary Object Classification Print Primary Object Typecolor printCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Ukiyo-e
courtesans