Five Women Who Loved Love (Koshoku gonin onna), in 5 Volumes Possibly 1686

Editor: Here we have Yoshida Hanbei's "Five Women Who Loved Love", a set of five illustrated books. I find the covers intriguing; the repeating geometric pattern and faded illustrations give them an almost secretive quality. What can you tell me about the socio-political context of such a work? Curator: These books, part of the Ukiyo-e tradition, offered a glimpse into the lives, loves, and sometimes, the scandals of women in Edo-period Japan. Did the authorities view such depictions as celebratory or subversive? Editor: That's a good question. I hadn't considered how authorities might react to such intimate stories being shared publicly. Curator: Exactly. The censorship laws of the time played a significant role in shaping the content and style of these illustrations. Understanding that push and pull is crucial to interpreting this work. It reveals how social mores were both reflected and challenged through art. Editor: That's really interesting. I’ll definitely consider that context when I look at other Ukiyo-e works now. Curator: Indeed, considering the public role of art illuminates the politics of imagery, doesn't it?