Standing Courtesan c. 1710s

This print, crafted by Okumura Masanobu, presents a standing courtesan adorned in elaborate garments. The motifs embellishing her kimono—floral patterns and geometric shapes—are not merely decorative, but carry a profound symbolic weight within Japanese culture. Consider the tortoise-shell design, symbolizing longevity and good fortune, echoed across millennia in various cultures. These symbols reappear across the ages, evolving in form yet retaining echoes of their primal power. One can see the symbolic connections between the tortoise and the arch of a building, a symbol of defense, of safety, protection. It reminds us of a desire to preserve life and safeguard our own lives. Ultimately, these symbols are powerful, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.