Ichirakutei Eisui

Ichirakutei Eisui was a Japanese ukiyo-e printmaker whose documented active period spans the years 1700 to 1793. His work centers on the two main thematic pillars of the genre: portraits of beautiful women (bijinga) and scenes derived from popular theater and drama.

Eisui is known for several print series that document the cultural life of Edo-period Japan. These include "Beauties of the Five Festivals (Bijin gosekku)," featuring works such as The Courtesan Senzan of the Chojiya and The Courtesan Hanahito of the Ogiya and attendants Sakura and Momiji. He also specialized in theatrical subjects, exemplified by the series "Beauties in Joruri Roles (Bijin awase joruri kagami)," which includes Osome and Hisamatsu and Shirai Gonpachi and Komurasaki, alongside single compositions such as Scene from the "Chushingura" Drama.

Fifteen Ichirakutei Eisui prints are represented in major international museum collections. The enduring historical significance of his work is demonstrated by holdings at institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. These museum-quality examples of Ichirakutei Eisui prints, now often in the public domain, are frequently available as high-quality prints and downloadable artwork for researchers and enthusiasts.