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Utagawa Toyokuni I

The Courtesan Takikawa of Ogiya, from the series Seven Beautiful Komachi (Bijin nana Komachi)

Edo period (1615–1868), about 1794
Color woodblock print; oban
37.5 × 24.4 cm (14.8 × 9.6 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

A high-ranking courtesan (identifiable as such by her name, clothing, and many hair ornaments) sits in her room with her pipe and tobacco accessories. The hanging scroll behind her shows an image of an elderly Ono no Komachi, who is resting on a log in the shape of a Buddhist stupa, a dome-like structure used for meditation. Because of its form, the log was considered a sacred object, and according to legend, a passing priest admonished the poet for sitting on it. In response, she composed the poem inscribed above the image: If the stupa were within Paradise, It would indeed be wicked to sit on it, But if it is outside, Can it be such a terrible thing? (Translation by Roy E. Teele)

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