Two Lovers 1665 - 1690

Hishikawa Moronobu created this woodblock print, Two Lovers, in Japan sometime in the late 17th century. The image presents an intimate scene between two figures, likely courtesans, within the private space of a home. The artwork speaks volumes about the social and cultural conditions of the Edo period. This was a time when the merchant class was rising in influence, which also saw the flourishing of arts and entertainment catering to their tastes. The presence of a shamisen suggests a cultivated atmosphere, while the sword may point to the complex relationships between the courtesans and the samurai class. Prints such as these circulated widely. They offer glimpses into the lives and pastimes of urban dwellers, and the floating world of pleasure quarters. By studying such artworks, along with historical documents and literature, we can better understand the social dynamics and cultural values of Edo-period Japan.