Prostitute and Two Attendants c. 1735

This painting, “Prostitute and Two Attendants” by Okumura Masanobu, transports us to Japan during the Edo period, a time of economic growth but rigid social order. Here, Masanobu depicts a high-ranking courtesan, or “Oiran,” attended by two young women in a domestic setting. The Oiran were more than just sex workers; they were entertainers, artists, and trendsetters. This painting invites us to consider the complex role of women in Edo society. On one hand, women were idealized as symbols of beauty and refinement. On the other hand, they were often subject to the desires and expectations of men. Masanobu's choice to depict these women in a moment of leisure offers us a glimpse into their lives beyond the gaze of their clients. The arrangement of the women allows you to consider the varying levels of status within this closed world, and challenges you to think about your own role in viewing them.