Kitagawa UTAMARO (circa 1753-1806), after. Wakaume du Tamaya in Edo-machi itchôme, kamuro Mumeno and Iroka (Edo-machi itchôme, Tamaya uchi Wakaume Mumeno Iroka). Colour wood engraving. 39 x 26 cm. Label of provenance. (Insolations) Wakaume was a zashikimochi (lit. 'with her own retinue'), the second-highest ranking oiran in the Yahachi Tamaya. The latter is not to be confused with the prestigious Tamaya on the corner of the same street. One of her kamuro, a child in the service of the oiran, hides shyly behind her. The kamuro were trained by their oiran in calligraphy, music and etiquette to prepare them for their future role. In the Yoshiwara, a woman's beauty was not only visual, but also depended on her elegance and education. At the top left of the plate is a poem by Hachi no Nankô, a play on words with Wakaume's first name meaning 'young plum'. Shiromuku no 白むくの yuki no uchi yori 雪のうちより saki-idete 咲いでゝ na mo kôbashiki 名もかうばしき Wakaume no hana 若梅の花 Blooming with Her snow-white dress Even its name is delicate The flower, Wakaume