Standing Beauty in Blue Kimono
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Wearing an aloof—almost haughty—expression, the courtesan in this painting holds up her robes as she walks to meet a client. Kaigetsudō Doshu was a member of the Kaigetsudō (Yearning for the Moon Studio) school, which specialized in artful portraits of women that featured bold kimono designs with thick calligraphic outlines. The exaggerated patterns on the robes and their pronounced curves make the figures appear as monumental icons of beauty. Paintings and prints of the reigning courtesans of the day were sold in the studio’s shop, which was located by the entrance to the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter in Edo (now Tokyo).
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More like this
Artist unknown
Japanese, 17th century — Samurai
Katsukawa Shunshō 勝川春章
Takizawa Shigenobu
Artist unknown
Japanese — A Young Woman Walking near a Plum 
寛文美人図|Beauty of the Kanbun Era
Katsukawa Shunshō 勝川春章 — 勝川春章筆 立姿美人図|Woman in a Black Kimono
Unidentified artist — 若衆立姿図 (Wakashū tachisugata zu)|Elegant
Kaigetsudō Dohan
Kubo Shunman
Okumura Toshinobu — The Princess Style (Ohimesama-fu)
Baiōken Eishun — 梅翁軒永春筆 立姿遊女図|Standing Courtesan
Kaigetsudō Doshin (Japanese, active 1711–1736) — Courtesan