Geisha of the House of Sumiyoshi Before a Mirror

Kitagawa Utamaro, Geisha of the House of Sumiyoshi before a mirror, c. 1796, woodblock print, 17.6 cm × 28.4 cm

This print is an image of a courtesan from the Sumiyoshi geisha house applying white makeup known as oshiroi. Utamaro purposely chooses to only display half of her face, making the composition much more interesting while emphasizing her provocativeness as her kimono slips off her shoulder. The nape of the neck (項, unaji) was one of the few areas in which a women’s skin could be shown thus, it was commonly perceived to be a very attractive and seductive part of the body during that time period. Her hands are also placed in a very graceful manner, carefully touching the curve of her neckline. Her eye and mouth seem to be slightly upturned, exuding a sense of playfulness yet remaining demure. Overall, within this print rather than distinct facial features, the clothing, composition, and body language are all used as one to convey emotions and the scene of this courtesan.