The Courtesan Yugiri of Ibarakiya, Osaka, from a triptych of beauties of the three capitals c. 1725 - 1730

Okumura Masanobu created this woodblock print of "The Courtesan Yugiri of Ibarakiya, Osaka" around the 18th century. The print is dominated by a palette of soft yellows and greens, which imbue the figure with a gentle, almost melancholic aura. The composition arranges Yugiri in a full-length portrait, her kimono adorned with meticulously patterned designs. The interplay between the geometric motifs and organic floral patterns complicates traditional notions of harmony and elegance. Note how the black obi cinches the waist, creating a stark contrast that accentuates the figure's form. Masanobu uses these formal elements to explore the semiotics of beauty and status within the Edo period. The stylized representation and intricate detail serve not just as aesthetic choices, but as visual codes that communicate social meanings. The print prompts reflection on how constructed images of beauty engage with cultural values.