Two Prostitutes Standing in Room c. 1775 - 1777

Isoda Koryūsai created this woodblock print of two courtesans in Japan sometime before 1790. Notice how the wood grain becomes an active part of the composition. As a print, this work reflects a complex division of labor. The artist likely designed the image, but other artisans would have been responsible for carving the blocks, inking them, and then carefully pressing the paper to create the final image. This printmaking process allowed for a wide distribution of the artwork, which was sold at an affordable price to the rising merchant class in Japanese cities. The image's format as a 'hashira-e' or pillar print, suggests it would have been displayed in a domestic interior. This brings us to the social context of the artwork. Its subject matter reflects the pleasure districts which thrived during this period in Japan. Koryūsai’s print gives us a glimpse into this world of entertainment and consumption. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows a richer understanding of this work.