Two women under wisteria flowers

This print in Utamaro’s later style shows an extraordinary state of preservation, its pale pink background, purple robes, and red underrobes retaining their original brilliance. A courtesan and her attendant pause during a walk to turn back and look at something or someone behind them. The wisteria blossoms above their heads, the beauty of the two women’s faces, and the sense of familiarity between them add to the charm of this scene. The courtesan wears a high-arched “hanging lantern sideburn” (tōrōbin) hairstyle adorned with floral and fan-decorated hairpins, bows, and ribbons. Her robe of sheer purple silk patterned with chrysanthemums reveals the red and white robe beneath. Her attendant’s hair is inserted with simpler pins, and she wears a kosode of simple but chic checked silk.