The artwork, titled “Maiko Kyoto (B)”, was created by the esteemed artist Kiyoshi Saito. It belongs to the Sōsaku hanga art movement and is classified within the portrait genre.
The artwork depicts a traditional Japanese maiko, a young apprentice geisha, set against a subtle, textured background. The figure is rendered in a minimalist yet striking style, characteristic of Sōsaku hanga, with emphasis on the bold lines and flat areas of color. The maiko is portrayed in profile, dressed in a blue kimono with delicate detailing, and her hair styled in a traditional fashion adorned with a simple, red hair ornament. The composition exudes a sense of grace and elegance, encapsulating the aesthetic refinement associated with Japanese portraits.