A portrait of the courtesan Kashiko of Tsuruya 1821

Keisai Eisen created this ukiyo-e woodblock print portraying Kashiko of Tsuruya, a courtesan, during the Edo period in Japan. This was a time when the floating world, or ukiyo, was flourishing, a world of pleasure and entertainment, but also circumscribed by strict social hierarchies and gender roles. Kashiko is depicted in a moment of repose, her posture conveying a sense of weariness or contemplation. The intricate patterns of her kimono speak to the culture of beauty and artistry deeply embedded in the lives of women who, like her, occupied a precarious position in society. Was she a celebrated figure, an object of desire, or a woman trapped by her circumstances? Ukiyo-e prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping the image and identity of courtesans, who were often portrayed as idealized figures of beauty. "I paint only what I see," Eisen once said, but what did he choose to see? Was he offering a genuine glimpse into Kashiko's world, or perpetuating a romanticized ideal? Through the lens of this print, we can reflect on the complex interplay between art, commerce, and the lives of women who navigated the intricate social landscape of Edo-period Japan.