Reigning Beauty Hanozuma 

Kitagawa Utamaro created *Reigning Beauty Hanozuma*, a woodblock print, during the Edo period in Japan. At this time, the floating world or Ukiyo-e, with its theaters, pleasure districts and geishas, was a flourishing artistic subject. Utamaro elevates Hanozuma, a courtesan, situating her as both an object of desire and a figure of cultural significance. The intimate and sensual moment of Hanozuma disrobing offers a glimpse into the private life of a woman whose public persona was carefully constructed. Her gaze is averted, inviting the viewer to contemplate the complex interplay of vulnerability and power. While Utamaro's work romanticized the lives of courtesans, it also provides insight into the social and economic structures that shaped their identities. By immortalizing Hanozuma in his art, Utamaro challenges traditional notions of beauty and celebrates the agency of women within a restrictive society. This piece serves as a reminder of the human stories behind historical representations and invites us to reflect on the diverse experiences of women throughout time.