The artwork, titled “Looking thirsty – The Appearance of a Town Geisha, a Bargirl in the Ansei Era,” was created by the esteemed artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls within the portrait genre. It is part of a larger series known as “Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life.”
The artwork portrays a refined female figure, a town geisha, who appears to be a bargirl from the Ansei Era. The geisha is depicted poised and elegant, holding a saucer, possibly for sake, in one hand. She is positioned with her head slightly tilted and her gaze directed upward, perhaps in anticipation or contemplation. Her attire is traditional and ornate, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors that highlight the cultural richness of the period. The background includes a lit candle, symbolizing a serene, intimate indoor setting. The detailed and expressive representation encapsulates the essence and daily nuances of life in the Ansei Era, reflecting both the beauty and complexity of the geisha’s role in society.
