Courtisanes kijkend naar bonsai boom before 1842

Kikugawa Eizan created this woodblock print of courtesans around the early 19th century during the Edo period, a time when Japan's cultural and social landscape was significantly shaped by the ruling Tokugawa shogunate. The print offers us a glimpse into the world of women in the pleasure districts of Edo-period Japan, suggesting both their confinement and their refined cultural surroundings. The courtesans depicted here, adorned in elaborate kimonos, engage in an appreciation of a bonsai tree. Bonsai, symbolizes harmony, balance, and a connection to nature. By including this element, Eizan elevates the courtesans beyond mere objects of desire, imbuing them with a sense of cultural sophistication. While the print celebrates the beauty and artistry associated with the courtesans, it also hints at the complex social dynamics at play. The women's elaborate attire and carefully arranged surroundings underscore the commodification of their existence, reminding us of the societal constraints that shaped their identities.