Courtesans Matsushima of the Matsubaya and Yashio of the Ogiya c. early to mid 19th century

Editor: Here we have Kikugawa Eizan's woodblock print of Courtesans Matsushima and Yashio. I’m drawn to the checkered kimono and the presence of the tiger. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This print offers a glimpse into the complex social structures and power dynamics within the pleasure districts of Edo-period Japan. The courtesans weren't merely objects of desire, but cultural trendsetters and artists in their own right. The tiger, in particular, invites an intersectional reading. Is it a symbol of female empowerment, or a reflection of exoticism? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. I see that it challenges simple notions of beauty and artistic expression. Curator: Exactly. By looking at class, gender, and societal norms, we realize the print captures a nuanced historical moment. Editor: Thank you. I've learned a lot about this print. Curator: Likewise.