Courtesan Hitomoto of the Daimonjiya c. 1801 - 1802

Kitagawa Utamaro created this woodblock print, Courtesan Hitomoto of the Daimonjiya, in Japan in the late 18th century. It’s an image that speaks volumes about the floating world of the Edo period. Utamaro was a master of Ukiyo-e, a genre that depicted the transient pleasures of urban life, including beautiful women, Kabuki actors, and landscapes. Here, we see Hitomoto, a high-ranking courtesan, adorned in elaborate garments and hair ornaments, holding a smoking pipe. Her serene expression and elegant posture were carefully constructed to appeal to the tastes of wealthy merchants and samurai who frequented the pleasure districts. But this print is more than just a pretty picture. It offers a glimpse into the complex social hierarchy of Edo society, the role of women, and the economics of the pleasure industry. To fully understand it, we can consult historical records, fashion trends, and literary sources. This allows us to see the artwork as both a product and a reflection of its time.