Yosooi of the Matsubaya House
1798 - 1800
This especially fine impression is notable for its vibrant color, richly-patterned design, and superior printing. It is one of the highlights of the Kollar collection. Yosooi was a high-ranking courtesan associated with the prestigious Matsubaya house and a frequent subject of woodblock prints in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Toyokuni was one of several artists who captured the full measure of her stylish allure in portrait form. The prolific Toyokuni made innumerable prints in the first quarter of the 19th century. Though mostly remembered for his actor prints, his earliest work-exemplified by this striking print-is especially admired.
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
14 7/8 x 11 1/4 in. (37.8 x 28.6 cm)
Gift of Mary and Allan Kollar
2014.32.5
Provenance: [Sebastian Izzard, New York]; purchased from gallery by Allan Kollar, Seattle, Washington, 2008; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2014
Photo: Colleen Kollar Zorn