Playing with a Dandy c. 1768 - 1770

Suzuki Harunobu created this polychrome woodblock print titled “Playing with a Dandy,” sometime between 1765 and 1770. During this Edo period, Japan saw a rise in ukiyo-e prints, depicting the fleeting pleasures of urban life. This print offers a glimpse into the intimate world of courtesans and their patrons. The scene depicts a playful moment between a woman and a young man, while another man peeks in from behind a screen, perhaps symbolizing voyeurism, or the complexities of social roles. The expressions and body language convey a sense of complicity and shared experience. Consider how Harunobu navigates themes of gender, desire, and social class in his work. How does he portray the courtesan's agency within the confines of her profession? The artist developed alternative narratives that challenged traditional representations. Reflect on the emotional resonance of this scene, and how it invites us to consider the relationships between pleasure, power, and social expectations.