Female Entertainer (Geigi)

Close-up portraits were created to celebrate courtesans and other beautiful women as well as famous actors. Each print from the series compares a shade of ink (represented by title panels shaped as ink sticks) to one of five occupations of women in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter, also known as the Northern Quarter. Geigi, the subject of this print, were trained entertainers who performed dance and music for guests at banquets or private parties. A rich yellow background and the use of mica for the sash (obi) and hair ornaments mark this portrait as a luxury production.