Courtesan and Two Kamuro 1766

This woodblock print, Courtesan and Two Kamuro, was created in the 18th century by Komatsuya Hyakki, during the Edo period. The print offers a window into the complex social strata of Japan at the time. The central figure is a high-ranking courtesan, her elaborate kimono a visual marker of her status. The two young girls, or kamuro, attending her are apprentices, their presence underscoring the hierarchical nature of the pleasure quarters. Notice the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the robes, which speak to the opulence associated with the courtesan's world, yet also hint at the commodification of these women's lives. The artist doesn't shy away from portraying the realities of women in this era, navigating their roles within the strict confines of societal expectations. This print prompts us to consider the lives of these women: the courtesan, a figure of both power and constraint, and the kamuro, young girls on the path to adulthood within a system that defined their worth by beauty and service.