The Yoshiwara in Edo - A Set of Three (Edo Yoshiwara sanpukutsui) c. 1736 - 1744

"The Yoshiwara in Edo - A Set of Three (Edo Yoshiwara sanpukutsui)" is a woodblock print from a series of three by the Japanese artist Ishikawa Toyonobu, dating to circa 1736-1744. The print depicts a beautiful woman, possibly a courtesan, in elaborate traditional Japanese clothing, standing with her arms folded. The print's detail and vibrant colors showcase Toyonobu's masterful skills, highlighting the beauty and allure of the Yoshiwara district, known for its brothels, in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The print, now at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a glimpse into the social life and cultural aesthetics of 18th-century Japan.