Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) | Two women before a mirror | Meiji period, late 19th century

Two courtesans sit before a mirror in a lavishly furnished room: two panels of a folding screen of karashishi among peonies appear behind them to their right. In the alcove, a black lacquer tray is placed beside a set of books enclosed in a richly decorated gold and blue silk chitsu casing; hanging above these objects is a uchiwa fan painted with a swallow in flight. A further fan and a kiseru pipe are placed before the young women. The low seated table is adorned with a blue and white porcelain vase holding a singular peacock feather among other utensils and ornaments.