Street scene in the Yoshiwara 1670 - 1690

This woodblock print, *Street scene in the Yoshiwara*, was created by Hishikawa Moronobu. The composition is divided into two distinct horizontal zones. Above, behind a lattice, we see figures displayed almost like objects. Below, figures walk across the space in a more naturalistic rendering. The spatial arrangement, with its abrupt shifts in perspective, creates a sense of tension. Moronobu employs a limited palette, relying on the stark contrast between black ink and the white ground of the paper. This enhances the graphic quality of the image. The strong, calligraphic lines define forms and delineate patterns, creating a dynamic interplay between positive and negative space. The print's structural elements invite us to consider the semiotics of display and visibility and how it destabilizes established meanings by challenging conventional modes of representation. The aesthetic lies in its complex organization of space and representation, offering a window into the cultural and philosophical discourses of its time.