Hanaogi from the Ogiya Establishment and Others
after Chokosai Eisho

Hanaogi from the Ogiya Establishment and Others after Chokosai Eisho -size reference-

Chokosai Eisho is famous for his gentle depiction of beautiful women, especially geisha and courtesans in their daily life. The central panel depicts Hanaogi, a famous yobidashi, a high class courtesan, enjoying hanami (flower viewing) with her kamuro (underage apprentice) and two shinzo (senior apprentice), with other courtesans from Ogiya brothel on surrounding panels.

Courtesans’ life was tide to Yoshiwara, a pleasure district in Edo, and they were allowed to leave only for hanami, a sort of vacation, when they were allowed to relax and enjoy time off. It is used also to promote brothel, by emphasizing beauty in dressing, make-up or new hair style, at the same time trendsetting new styles. One should be aware that a courtesan in an ancient Japan, or sex for that matter, were not condemned or demonized, like it was in the Victorian Europe of that time.

Hanaogi was favorite subject for other artists like Utamaro, Isoda Koryusai, Eishi, Eisen…

Technique: acrylic on canvas

Size: triptych 177 x 360 cm
(69.68 x 141.73 inch);
each panel 177 x 120 cm
(69.68 x 47.24 inch)

Year: December 2010

Availability: In Private Collection


100 Views of Ukiyo-e

During my exploration of the beginning of modern art (Impressionism and Post-Impressionism) I found myself surrounded by beautiful views of Ukiyo-e prints. They were my explanation to everything: modern/contemporary painting, design, illustration, comics and animation. Even more, I had to tell that to everyone. Firstly, I did impressions/interpretations of famous works of Hiroshige and Hokusai, but I couldn´t stop there… I finally found my call.100 Views of Ukiyo-e is my life mission to re-create new originals of selected 100 Ukiyo-e prints, new original painting in new oban size. It is divided in 4 Volumes of 25 canvases, some of the forming diptychs or triptychs. So far I have finished the first set that introduces several masters, styles and topics.

A review by Amalija Stojsavljević, art historian can be read here.


Volume I – Masters

The First Volume of series of paintings of the 100 Views of Ukiyo-e. This initial set was a practical part of my magistrate thesis in Arts at Academy of Fine Arts, Sarajevo. I tried to introduce great masters of Ukiyo-e, specific styles and topics from its begging to the end.

100 Views of Ukiyo-e, Volume I: Masters Exhibition Catalogue for Web