Hokusai's genre scenes, bijin-ga (beautiful women), and miscellaneous subjects represent the breadth of his career across more than seven decades. The market for non-landscape Hokusai prints has strengthened as collectors seek beyond the most famous designs.
The Ogi-ya brothel in the Yoshiwara licensed district opens its doors to mark the first day of the New Year in this [oban](/glossary/oban) pentaptych from 1811 — a five-sheet composition of exceptional ambition showing the establishment's courtesans, attendants, and decorations arranged across the wide panoramic spread of five joined sheets. The scale of the composition is itself a celebration, enveloping the viewer in the orchestrated splendor of the Yoshiwara's most important holiday.
1821
Color woodblock print with metallic pigments; surimono shikishiban
1822
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
1822
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
c. 1832
Color woodblock print; oban
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
New Year's Day at Ogi-ya brothel was created by Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎) in 1811.
New Year's Day at Ogi-ya brothel depicts figures, bijin-ga, and interiors.
