The Courtesans, from the Series, "Seiro Bijin Awase Carver End Shigoro" (sic.) 1755 - 1775

This is a woodblock print from Japan, made by Suzuki Harunobu as part of his series called “Seiro Bijin Awase,” which translates to “Matching Beauties of the Green Houses.” This image participates in the Ukiyo-e tradition, which means “pictures of the floating world.” In 18th century Japan, this term referenced the impermanence of human life and the importance of enjoying every moment. But it’s also a reference to the pleasure districts of Edo, now known as Tokyo, where courtesans like this one would entertain their clients with music, conversation, poetry, and dance. Woodblock prints were an important part of that culture, as they circulated images of these beautiful women. But the artists often imbued these images with cultural references that elevated them beyond simple portraits. To understand them better, we can look to historical documents, fashion trends, and even poetry, and in doing so we get a deeper understanding of the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shaped artistic production.