The tayû (high-ranking courtesan) from "Ninin Wankyu"

A second impression depicting the same tayu role from Ninin Wankyu, this print likely diverges from its companion in palette, ground tone, or seal state — Kokei issued certain designs in alternative color schemes to distinguish presentation impressions for collectors. The composition again deploys the okubi-e format, the courtesan's powdered face framed by the bound architecture of her wig and ornamental kanzashi. Keyblock impressions delineate strands of hair with precision while the kimono pattern is built up in successive baren-rubbed color layers. Gofun gives material weight to the oshiroi; modulated bokashi establishes the ground. Printed on fine ganpi, the work exemplifies Kokei's sosaku-hanga method of designing, carving, and printing each impression himself, and his practice of revisiting a successful design with measured chromatic variation. Within the artist's bijin-ga production, the pair documents a single stage performance in slightly different registers.