Courtesan on Parade c. 1763

This woodblock print of a courtesan was made by Suzuki Harunobu in Japan, probably in the 1760s. The print exemplifies Harunobu’s contribution to the development of *nishiki-e* or “brocade pictures,” so named for their resemblance to luxurious silk textiles. The *ukiyo-e* woodblock print genre captured the flourishing urban culture of Edo period Japan, and the courtesans of the pleasure districts held a particular fascination. Beyond their reputation as masters of entertainment, courtesans were tastemakers and trendsetters. In this print, the fashionable woman carries an umbrella that protects her elaborate hairstyle and makeup from the elements. Although such prints might appear to simply reflect the existing social order, we should remember that this imagery was policed by the Tokugawa shogunate. As historians, we can explore the social and cultural context of this print by researching primary sources, like government records and literature from the Edo period. We can also consider the institutional history of printmaking in Japan and the social and political factors that influenced its production and consumption. By understanding the context in which it was made, we can gain a deeper appreciation of its artistic and cultural significance.