Courtesan Holding a Long Pipe

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This image is designed in the pillar print ( hashira-e ) format, which were meant to be hung on house pillars. The designs often picture a single figure (sometimes two) cropped by the edges of the print. This use of cropping made a strong impression on European painters who collected Japanese prints in the 19th century.

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