Courtesan Looking Through a Curtain, the right half of No. 17 from the erotic series The Amorous Adventures of Mane'emon (FÅ«ryÅ« enshoku Mane'emon) c. 1769 - 1777

Editor: This is "Courtesan Looking Through a Curtain" by Suzuki Harunobu, from his series "The Amorous Adventures of Mane'emon." It's a woodblock print, and there's such an intimacy to the scene. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: The series was privately commissioned, reflecting the changing social dynamics of Edo-period Japan. Harunobu depicted everyday life and referenced classical literature, but here, he catered to the tastes of a sophisticated, pleasure-seeking audience. The image itself highlights the role of courtesans in society. Editor: So, it’s both art and social commentary? The gaze of the courtesan, is it inviting or melancholic? Curator: Perhaps both. Consider the gaze as a performance, designed for a specific audience. How does the framing, with the curtain and window, affect our understanding of her position? Editor: It emphasizes her confinement, but also her allure. I see it as a glimpse into a world both hidden and displayed. Curator: Exactly. These prints provide a fascinating look into the cultural values and power dynamics of the time.