Courtesans of Matsubaya, from the book "Mirror of Beautiful Women of the Pleasure Quarters (Seiro bijin awase sugata kagami)," vol. 2 1776

"Courtesans of Matsubaya," a woodblock print by Kitao Shigemasa, depicts four women, likely courtesans, in a luxurious setting. The women are dressed in elaborate kimonos and are engaged in various activities, such as reading a book, playing a musical instrument, and tending to a cat. The work is part of the series "Mirror of Beautiful Women of the Pleasure Quarters (Seiro bijin awase sugata kagami)," which was published in two volumes in 1776. Shigemasa, known for his ukiyo-e prints, captured the beauty and sophistication of Edo-period Japan through this scene.