Feest in het Komeikan theehuis 1788 - 1792

Torii Kiyonaga made this diptych woodblock print, "Feest in het Komeikan theehuis," in Japan during the Edo period. Here we see a lively party, but to truly understand it, we need to delve into the social context of the time. The Edo period was marked by strict social hierarchies and the flourishing of a merchant class with new money. Ukiyo-e prints like this one became popular, depicting scenes of daily life, entertainment, and beautiful women. The Komeikan teahouse itself would have been a social hub, and prints like this helped to shape the public’s idea of these places. Kiyonaga's print offers a glimpse into the pleasure quarters and the lives of the women who worked there. The artist’s focus on their fashion, leisure, and interactions, provides valuable insight into the cultural values of the time. Analyzing this artwork, we need historical sources and a deep knowledge of Japanese culture. With them we can really start to understand not just what is shown, but what it meant to those who saw it then.