Courtesan and Shinzō 1725 - 1770

Suzuki Harunobu created this polychrome woodblock print, entitled “Courtesan and Shinzō,” in the mid-18th century, during the Edo period in Japan. The print offers a glimpse into the complex social structures of the time, particularly concerning gender and class. The courtesan, an educated and cultured woman, occupies a unique position in society, while the young attendant, or shinzō, is on the cusp of adulthood within this carefully constructed world. The print invites us to consider the lives of women in the entertainment districts of Edo-era Japan. Harunobu’s delicate lines and soft colors evoke a sense of intimacy, but they also hint at the underlying tensions and expectations that governed these women's lives. As you look at the image, reflect on how it reflects the negotiation of identity and status within a society defined by rigid social hierarchies.