Imamurasaki, a Prostitute of the Kinpei Daikoku House 1887

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi made this woodblock print of Imamurasaki, a prostitute, as part of a series called “Biographies of Modern People” sometime in the late 19th century. Yoshitoshi lived through a period of profound change in Japan as it opened up to the west and modernized. This print is a commentary on the changing social structures of the time. It depicts a woman whose profession was disdained by some but also was a symbol of wealth and status. Her garments are luxurious and colorful, contrasting with her pale face. Woodblock prints had become a vital means of mass communication in Japan. The layered writing in the top corner indicates this print was made for a popular audience. It is interesting to consider how the institutions of publishing and entertainment shaped the representation and consumption of these images. To fully understand this artwork, we might research the history of prostitution in Japan, the role of women in society, and the development of the mass media. By considering the social and institutional context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artist’s message and its relevance to the modern world.