Picture of the Eastern Beauties 1772 - 1792

Kitao Shigemasa made this woodblock print, “Picture of the Eastern Beauties,” during the Edo period in Japan. It presents us with an intimate glimpse into the lives of women in the pleasure quarters. The women depicted are likely courtesans, and Shigemasa, through his art, invites us to consider their complex identities. One woman, seated, holds a musical instrument to her lips, perhaps a moment of private artistic expression. The other, standing, combs her hair, caught in the everyday performance of beauty. Their elaborate hairstyles and clothing signify their profession and status within this contained world. Consider the historical context: these women, while admired for their beauty and talent, often faced systemic oppression. Shigemasa, who focused on the everyday lives of people, seems to capture not just their outward appearance, but also a sense of their interiority, their private moments of self-care and artistry. The print offers a window into a world where gender, class, and artistic expression intersect, and leaves us contemplating the delicate balance between visibility and vulnerability.