Courtesans Drawn in Osaka style (right), Kyoto style (center), and Edo style (left), from "Courtesans of the Three Capitals: A Set of Three (Sanga no tsu keisei sanpukutsui)" c. 1748

This woodblock print, "Courtesans Drawn in Osaka style (right), Kyoto style (center), and Edo style (left), from "Courtesans of the Three Capitals: A Set of Three (Sanga no tsu keisei sanpukutsui)", by Okumura Masanobu, depicts three different styles of Japanese courtesans. The print highlights the distinct fashion and mannerisms of women in each of these prominent cities. The artwork is a fine example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to 19th centuries. The detailed depiction of the courtesans' clothing, hairstyles, and poses reflects the artist's keen observation of everyday life during the Edo Period, a time of significant social change and economic prosperity. The print is a captivating visual representation of the vibrant culture and social dynamics of 18th-century Japan.