Dutchman and Maruyama Courtesan 1789 - 1801

Chōkyōsai Eiri's "Dutchman and Maruyama Courtesan" is a woodblock print offering a glimpse into early globalization in Japan. Made around the turn of the 19th century, it depicts an encounter between a foreign merchant and a high-ranking courtesan of the Maruyama district in Nagasaki. The print encapsulates the complex social dynamics of the era. During the Edo period, Japan maintained a policy of isolation, but Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign trade, especially with the Dutch. Maruyama was a licensed red-light district, and courtesans were cultural icons. The image creates meaning through striking contrasts. The Dutchman, with his exaggerated features and foreign attire, is juxtaposed against the elegant courtesan. The exoticism of the encounter is palpable, reflecting both curiosity and perhaps a degree of unease. This artwork serves as a potent reminder of the social and institutional contexts that shape artistic production, contexts we can study through a range of historical sources, including trade records and sociological studies.