- Yotsuya Araki Yokochō -

The beautiful woodblock print "Yotsuya Araki Yokochō" is by Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870–1949). This atmospheric composition depicts two graceful maiko (apprentice geisha) outside a traditional teahouse at dusk. Beautifully rendered architectural details—including tiled rooftops, elegant wooden latticework, windows of varying shapes, a stone lantern, and carefully pruned pine tree—create a scene rich in character and nostalgia. The warm glow of light spilling from the teahouse invites the viewer into a peaceful world of old Japan, lending the print an intimate and timeless charm.

Yotsuya Araki Yokochō is a historic alley in what is now the Yotsuya Araki-chō district of Tokyo. The area was originally the site of the gardens of a daimyo (feudal lord), featuring scenic ponds and waterfalls. During the Meiji and Taishō periods, it developed into one of Tokyo's renowned hanamachi (geisha districts), lined with elegant teahouses and restaurants. Today, the neighborhood is known for its narrow alleyways, intimate restaurants, and small bars, while still preserving traces of its historic atmosphere.

The artist's signature "Koitsu" and red seal "Shinsei" appear in the lower left corner of the image. The right margin includes the Japanese title "Yotsuya Araki Yokochō" and the date "Shōwa 10" (1935). This impression is a later printing from the original blocks, published by Doi around 1985. Unlike earlier editions, however, it does not bear the Doi publisher's seal in the left margin.

Technique: Woodblock
Paper size: 10 5/8 × 16 inches (27 × 40.5 cm)
Image size: 9 1/4 × 14 1/4 inches (23.6 × 36.2 cm)
Edition: N/A
Original date: 1935 (this impression printed circa 1985)
Signed: Artist's signature "Koitsu" and red seal "Shinsei" in the lower left corner of the image.
Condition: Excellent condition, with a few typical printer's ink smudges on the right margin edge. These are a normal characteristic of traditional Japanese woodblock printing and do not affect the image.

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