Japan: 'Courtesan Schichiri from the Sugata Ebiya House', woodblock print by Keisai Eisen (1790-1848), 1826

Keisai Eisen (1790-1848), also known as Ikeda Eisen, was an early 19th century "ukiyo-e" artist. Born to the Ikeda family in Edo, he was apprenticed to Kano Hakkeisai, from whom he took the name Keisai. After his father's death he studied under Kikgawa Eizan, who would heavily influence his early works. Eisen's specialisation was in "bijinga" (pictures of beautiful women), but he also did landscapes, "surimono" (privately issued prints) and erotic prints. His "bijinga" prints portrayed women differently than earlier artists, giving them a worldly sensuality instead of the previous elegance and grace. His best works were the "okubi-e" (large head pictures) and were masterpieces of the 'decadent' Bunsei Period (1818-1830). He was also known as a prolific writer, under the pen name Ippitsuan, and produced biographies for the Forty-seven Ronin and for other "ukiyo-e" artists.