How to get the signature on a edo period (?) Ukiyo-e silk painting translated?

[Philli]

Hello! I have had this painting for a while now, and I have tried contacting translators in the past to get the signature translated- but it seems like no one is able to read this very archaic form of Japanese! Does anyone here know of any Japanese museums, antique appraisal places or perhaps individuals that could help me with this translation?

 

Best regards

 

[SteveM]

Wrestled with this a while but couldn't complete it

 

江戸　美（全）的姿？　馬

 

5 Edo beauties. I don't know what the event is. Just sitting around a table eating? Or is it a new year's meal of some kind. Or some other celebration? 

 

The character alone at the bottom is 馬, which may or may not be shortened version of the artist's name, and that artist might be Teisai Hokuba (蹄斎北馬) and he is just signing with the final character of his name. 

[Matsunoki]

“Five beauties” or similar is a popular theme used by several ukiyoe artists. There is often one extreme beauty (as in this example…..one lady stands out). They are often depicted playing various games or just enjoying themselves….here apparently enjoying a meal although only one appears to be partaking.The Geisha of the Edo period were massively popular subjects.

Here is a link to an example…..

https://www.metmuseu...ection/search/667347

Maybe approach Bonhams Japanese Dept and see what they say?

[Philli]

Thanks for all of the replies so far, they are very helpful. It would be wonderful if it was by someone as famous as Teisai Hokuba - and I suppose contacting bonhams would be a good idea (though a person who did so on my behalf a couple of years ago wasn't able to get an opinion from them). Here are a few more pictures of the details, as well as a clearer shot of the seal: