Lezende geliefden 1700 - 1710

Sugimura Jihei created this woodblock print, “Lezende geliefden”, in Japan in the late 17th century. The image depicts two lovers entwined, seemingly lost in the world of literature and intimacy. But how might this seemingly innocent scene reflect the social complexities of its time? In the Edo period, Japan witnessed the rise of a vibrant urban culture, with pleasure districts becoming hubs of artistic and social innovation. Prints like this one often depicted courtesans and their clients, reflecting a society grappling with shifting social norms. The presence of books suggests the cultural sophistication of the figures represented, as the literary arts flourished among the merchant classes. The print's creation was tied to the woodblock industry, an institution with commercial and artistic reach. To better understand this work, we can look to period literature and social histories. We can trace the development of the woodblock print as a medium and examine the patronage networks that supported artists like Jihei. By situating art within its socio-political context, we can better appreciate its power to reflect and shape cultural values.