De courtisane Tsukasa uit het Ogiya huis 1795 - 1800

Rekisentei Eiri created this woodblock print, "De courtisane Tsukasa uit het Ogiya huis," which translates to "The Courtesan Tsukasa from the Ogiya House." Eiri, working in the late Edo period, gives us a glimpse into the world of the Yoshiwara district and its celebrated courtesans, who were cultural icons, and trendsetters in fashion and the arts. We see Tsukasa adorned with elaborate hair ornaments and refined makeup, holding a fan depicting male figures. Here, gender and class intersect in the figure of the courtesan: while these women were often from impoverished backgrounds, they attained power and influence through their wit, beauty, and artistic talents, becoming objects of admiration and desire. Eiri does not shy away from the emotional life of his subject, presenting Tsukasa with a contemplative expression which encourages us to see beyond her carefully constructed image. Ultimately, this print offers not just a representation of beauty, but also a reflection on the complex dynamics of Edo society, where identities were shaped by both social constraints and individual agency.