A Parade of Courtesans c. 1690

Hishikawa Moronobu created “A Parade of Courtesans” using woodblock printing techniques. Moronobu was a key figure in popularizing ukiyo-e, a genre that flourished during the Edo period, capturing the transient pleasures of urban life. This print offers a glimpse into the Yoshiwara, Edo's licensed pleasure district. Far from being simple sex workers, the courtesans held a complex position in society. They were entertainers, fashion icons, and arbiters of taste. The print reveals their elaborate attire, and emphasizes the performative aspect of their identity. The scene complicates our understanding of gender and class in Edo society. While seemingly celebrating the courtesans' allure, we must consider the power dynamics at play, and question the women's agency in a society with rigid social hierarchies. The print is more than just an image; it's a social document that invites us to reflect on the lives and experiences of the women depicted, and also challenges us to consider their experiences in early modern Japan.