Chōkōsai Eishō

Eishö's work is more original than that of his master, Eishi. Though less elegant or restrained in conception, his bust portraits of courtesans often reveal personality elements lost in the more idealized studies of Eishi. In this respect we would suggest that Eishö was attempting to see beneath the make-up of his courtesans much as Toshusai Sharaku attempted to penetrate the true personality of his actors. In some examples, his sweetly childish courtesans border on being silly. No doubt many of the courtesans of the Yoshiwara were just that.

Research by: Howard A. Link.